Rochdale Hornets 76 - 16 Oxford RL

Hornets top of the division

In as one-sided a game as you are likely to witness all season, Hornets completed a rout of a completely outclassed Oxford. Proving far too big and strong for Oxford, the Hornets players queued up to cross the try line.

First over, following fast hands from wing to wing, was Dale Bloomfield in the corner. A superb kick by Crook added the extras.

It wasn't long before the second try as good inter-passing on the short side allowed Danny Yates to gallop through. Crook converted.

Hornets crossed the line thrice more, Bloomfield for his second, followed by Luke Thompson and then Jack Ashworth with a 40 metre sprint, all three converted by Crook, before Oxford finally got on the score sheet; a loose pass from Danny Bridge gifted Hoggins with a try. Kitson with the conversion.

However, 'normal service' was quickly resumed as Bloomfield completed a first half hat-trick. For once, Crook's conversion missed.

Half time: Rochdale Hornets 34 - 6 Oxford RL

With the game effectively over, Hornets could have been forgiven for relaxing at the start of the second half, but any Oxford hopes that Hornets would go easy on them were soon dashed as Matty Hadden stretched out to score his second try of the game soon after the kick off. Crook with the extras.

Hornets next came courtesy of Anthony Walker, converted by Crook, before Danny Bridge piled on the misery for Oxford using his size and power to crash over. Crook successful with both conversions.

Hornets best try of the game came midway through the second half when Brad Hargreaves finished a flowing move that covered the length of the pitch. Crook converted.

Tony Suffolk joined the Hornets try scorers. Crook converted.

With the game reaching its closing stages, Hornets switched off and were caught napping when Nasso broke away to cover all of 80 metres to score. Kitson converted.

Oxford capitalised further on the Hornets end-of-game laissez-faire when a superb pass from Withington sent Gardiner in for another Oxford try. Kitson missed the conversion.

Right on the hooter, Crook scored the final try of the game, which he duly converted.

The result means Hornets currently sit top of the division before Sunday's games.

Attendance: 652

Rochdale Hornets: Wayne English, Dale Bloomfield, Jack Ashworth, Brad Hargreaves, Ryan Smith, Danny Yates, Anthony Walker, Paul Crook, Tony Suffolk, Alex Trumper, Danny Bridge, Luke Thompson, Alex McClurg, James Tilley, Matty Hadden, Warren Thompson

Oxford RL: Danny Thomas, Luke Gardiner, Marcus Broker, Andrew Higgins, Aaron Jones-Bishop, Nathan Kitson, Mark Barlow, Karl Davies, Ray Nasso, Erjon Dollapi, Josh Scott, Adam Worthington, Jonny Payne, Kyle Danns, Jordan Andrade, Luke Evans, Tom Davies

Referee: Mr A Sweet