Rochdale Hornets 50 - 22 Coventry Bears

Photo: Alpha Photography

Paul Crook

An improved second half performance saw Rochdale Hornets pull away from a plucky Coventry Bears to move back into the play-off places.

Paul Crook scored 26 of his side’s 50 points with a hat-trick of tries and seven conversions as he moved between half-back and hooker throughout the game.

The win means that Hornets now go into their derby encounter with Swinton next week just a point ahead of their local rivals in a crucial match for both sides.

It started badly for Hornets as Coventry took the lead just five minutes in after capitalising on a penalty when Dan Parker sent Simon Phillips over for the opening try.

Danny Yates looked certain to hit back only for a great tackle to hold him up, but moments later Crook got his first as he darted over from dummy half. His conversion then put Rochdale in front.

Yates was on hand to provide for Danny Bridge 17 minutes in when the second rower charged over for his 13th try of the season. Crook’s converted for a 12-4 lead.

The Bears were back in front courtesy of a four minute double though as Richie Hughes came up with a dummy half dart of his own on the 24th minute and then Matt Cooper beat Wayne English to a grubber to score. Parker converted the latter to give the visitors a two point lead.

Hornets were on top for the remainder of the half though and let a number of chances go begging before Matty Haggarty scored his first try for the club on the hooter, as the front rower was too strong from close range. Crook added the extras to give his side an 18-14 advantage at the break.

To the bemusement of everyone in the ground Coventry added a penalty goal a minute into the second half to go within two points.

Hornets took control after that though and crossed for five tries in a 20 minute period of dominance.

Firstly, it was Crook who scored his second after his bomb was knocked on into his path, and the number six juggled the ball over the head of the defence before catching it and grounding in the corner.

Danny Jones picked up his first try in a Hornet's shirt when he did well to force his way over from 20 metres out and soon after Jordan Case crashed over courtesy of a Crook flat pass. All three tries were converted to move Hornets 30 points in front.

Next on the scoresheet was Dave Hull - he also raced over thanks to a flat ball from Crook and three minutes later Crook completed his hat-trick with a carbon copy of his first try.

Coventry kept plugging and were rewarded when Cooper went over for his second past some tired defenders.

Hornets had the last say when Bridge set Dale Bloomfield free down the left edge and the winger finished well in the corner to bring up the half-century.

Man-of-the-Match: Paul Crook was the best on the field as he led Rochdale home to victory with a hat-trick and 26-point haul

Rochdale Hornets: Wayne English, Gaz Langley, Lee Paterson, Dave Hull, Dale Bloomfield, Ryan Smith, Danny Yates, Danny Jones, Paul Crook, Warren Thompson, Jordan Case, Danny Bridge, Lewis Charnock Subs: Matty Haggerty, Matty Fozard, Alex McClurg, James Tilley.

Coventry Bears: Andy Winfield, Jamahl Hunte, Nick Taylor, Simon Phillips, Jason Bass, Joel James, Dan Parker, Jack Morrison, Richie Hughes, Jack Francis, Liam Thompson, Chris Barratt, Matt Cooper Subs: James Geurtjens, Stephen Coleman, Tom Hall, Dylan Bale.