The original fixture against Anselmians had been dubbed a top of the table clash. However, with the visitors suffering a couple of losses they had slipped down the league. That said we knew a tough game was expected.

The first attack of the game came from the visitors who kicked a penalty to the corner for an attacking line out. A catch and drive ensued which was well defended resulting in a turn over allowing Lewis Allen to clear his lines. Dale then gave away a second penalty. Again, despite it being eminently kickable, the visitors kicked to the corner and it was clear this was their favoured attacking ploy. A similar catch and drive was again defended well and Dale manged to clear their line and secure some ball.

With ball in hand Dale set up their first attack culminating in good play around the visitor’s line. Unfortunately, Dale were adjudged to have held on to the ball on as the try line beckoned and the opportunity was lost.

The visitors survived and cleared down field. Shortly after the home side were awarded a penalty for a tackle infringement and Lewis Allen took the opportunity to put the Dale ahead 3-0. The lead did not last long and following another penalty this time for offside the visitors decided to go for goal. The kick was successful. 3-3.

Not long after following another line out the visitors gained some momentum in their rolling maul resulting in the opening try. The conversion was successful. The score now 3-10.

As the home side looked to push up the hill, Matt Lamprey was tackled high and Lewis Allen duly kicked the ensuing penalty bringing the score back to 6-10. However, within 5 minutes the home side conceded yet another penalty. The kick was successful taking the visitors further ahead at 6-13. Neither side managed to secure any consistent possession and there were no further scoring opportunity and the referee blew for half time with the score 6-13.

With Dale now playing downhill and just a converted try between the two sides the home faithful were looking forward to some open running rugby, tries and the homes side taking back the lead. Unfortunately, the second half did not start at all well and as Dale tried to run the ball out from their own 22, a pass out to the wing was intercepted and the opposition got their second try. The conversion struck the upright leaving the visitors further ahead at 6-18.

Despite some good possession Dale struggled to make any inroads against a strong and well drilled Anselmian’s defence. When a break through seemed on the cards the home side were let down by handling errors and the opportunities were spurned.

To make matters worse when the visitors secured some ball, a well worked move down the wing resulted in their third try which was converted leaving the score at 6-25.

Dale then began to exert some pressure on the opposition, but their defence stood firm. The defence line was eventually breached, but John Tuia was adjudged to have committed a serious offence at the breakdown resulting in a yellow card.

The opposition were unable to capitalise on the numerical advantage and eventually Dale got their try. A good break in midfield by Denny Solomona allowed him to ship the ball out to winger Sam Lowthion who accelerated towards the try line before slipping the ball to Zane Ainsley, who went over to score. Allen’s conversion was unsuccessful leaving the score 11-25.

Dale knew that 2 converted tries would secure another draw, but with only some 8 minutes left the task was beyond them and they were unable to find a way through the blue wall of defenders in front of them.

Time ticked away and the referee’s full-time whistle left Dale suffering their first loss of the season.

Dale welcome Newport to Marl Pits next Saturday where they hope to return to winning ways and consolidate their position at the top of the table.

Report by Phil Johnson