Rochdale Hornets 31 - 16 Swinton Lions

Photo: Deborah Wynn

Rochdale Hornets v Swinton Lions

Hornets Captain Wayne English proudly led the team out onto the pitch at Spotland for his 100th game for the club, and he could not have wished for a better reward as an excellent all round Hornets first half performance gave them victory against local rivals Swinton despite a gritty comeback in the second half by Swinton.

After a very early set back for Hornets when Mike Ratu had to leave the field injured, they were off to a flyer as Shaun Robinson quickly opened the scoring. Crook failed to convert.

Hornets soon added a second as a brilliant off load by Walker put Casey in under the posts. This time Crook was on target with the conversion.

Swinton had their share of possession but superb defence by Hornets kept them out.

With Hornets back on the offensive, Swinton's in-discipline cost them as they gave Jordan Case the opportuntiy to crash over. Crook added the extras.

Another Swinton mistake gave Hornets their fourth try of the half when Hornets took advantage of a Swinton knock on and Danny Davies dived over. Crook kicked superbly from the touch line to add the two.

Half time: Rochdale Hornets 22 - 0 Swinton Lions

Swinton started the second half a lot more determined and quickly got on the scoresheet with a try out wide.

Swinton kept up the pace and scored a second try after a period of sustained pressure. A successful conversion pegged Hornets lead back to 12 points.

A try out wide and another conversion for Swinton reduced the Hornets lead to just six points.

With Swinton within one try and a kick, Hornets finally put the game beyond doubt through Gareth Langley after a huge bomb. Crook added the extras.

Crook added a penalty before the hooter to complete the scoring.

Full time: Rochdale Hornets 31 - 16 Swinton Lions

Man-of-the-Match: Ryan Millard

Attendance: 844

Rochdale Hornets: Wayne English, Gareth Langley, Danny Davies, Mike Ratu, Shaun Robinson, Sean Casey, Ryan Millard, Warren Thompson, Paul Crook, Anthony Walker, Chris Baines, Tony Suffolk, Jordan Case.
Replacements: James Tilley, Adam Bowman, Liam Gilchrist, Lewis Sheridan.

Swinton Lions: Richie Hawkyard, Gene Ormsby, Steve Lewis, Anthony Bowman, Joe Worthington, Chris Atkin, Ian Watson, Mike Morrison, Andy Ackers, Luke Menzies, Jacque Peet, Darren Hawkyard, James Brown.
Replacements: Brad Dwyer, Glen Riley, Andy Thornley, Mark Thomas.

Referee: Warren Turley