Rochdale Hornets 6 - 20 Halifax

Date published: 26 February 2017

Rochdale Hornets were distinctly below par as they lost a game they are eminently capable of winning against Halifax at the Crown Oil Arena.

Following last week's heroic display against Hull KR, Hornets were optimistic of victory against Halifax but after showing well in the early exchanges, and scoring first, they were never really in control at any stage of the game.

Robert Massam scored Hornets only try of the game early on when he collected a pass from Danny Yates and wrestled his way over in the corner. Lewis Palfrey slotting over superbly from the touchline.

The advantage swung Halifax's way when unforced errors crept into Hornets game and they soon had Hornets pinned in their own half.

Backs to the wall, Hornets defended well.

James Saltonstall came close for Halifax but the Hornets defence held him just short of the try line.

A poor drop out gifted possession to Halifax 20 metres out and they took full advantage through Ed Barber, who threw a dummy and side-stepped his way to the line, beating three Hornets defenders. Stephen Tyrer with the conversion.

Already the Hornets supporters were venting their frustration with the referee, as he continually let Halifax off the hook whilst penalising Hornets for every minor transgression.

It was another refereeing decision that lead to the only further score of the half as Hornets were pulled up for a messy ruck and Tyrer slotted his penalty kick over from right in front of the posts.

Half time: Rochdale Hornets 6 - 8 Halifax

A close first half that Halifax shaded, mainly due to a lack of Hornets composure.

Any hopes Hornets supporters had of a second half performance like last week's immense effort against Hull KR quickly evaporated.

Hornets looked dangerous in attack but too often knocked on at crucial moments, and gave away possession via penalties, though as in the first half the referee seemed to be keen to penalise Hornets whilst allowing Halifax far too much leeway.

Halifax extended their lead when Tyrer plucked a Scott Murrell cross-field kick out of the air to score out wide. Tyrer slipped and missed the conversion.

Tyrer added to Hornets pain with another penalty conversion after a high tackle from Gary Middlehurst, which saw him sin-binned.

Hornets had their opportunities but Halifax defended well and all too often Hornets squandered good possession.

As the game entered the last quarter the heavens opened and the rain came sheeting down.

Ben Moores was sin-binned for dissent, leaving Hornets two men down and Halifax took advantage launching attack after attack.

Hornets defended well and more than once held Halifax up close to the line, but the pressure finally told when Rob Worrincy finished off a line break from Adam Tangata to complete the scoring.

The most bizarre referring decision of the game came when Gavin Bennion was on the receiving end of a huge shoulder charge that saw both sets of players squaring up - the referee giving a penalty to Halifax!

A tough game and an afternoon to forget for Hornets. 

Rochdale Hornets: Chris Riley, Jake Eccleston, Matty Blythe, Lewis Galbraith, Rob Massam, Lewis Palfrey, Danny Yates, Samir Tahraoui, Ben Moores, Gavin Bennion, Danny Bridge, Josh Crowley, Gary Middlehurst.
Replacements: Ryan Maneely, Jo Taira, Matty Hadden, Jordan Case.

Halifax: Will Sharp, James Saltonstall, Steve Tyrer, James Woodburn-Hall, Rob Worrincy, Scott Murrell, Ben Johnston, Ryan Boyle, Adam O’Brien, Mitch Cahalane, Ed Barber, Simon Grix, Jacob Fairbank.
Replacements: Elliot Morris, Ben Kaye, Luke Ambler, Adam Tangata.

Attendance: 854

Referee: Callum Straw

Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw reflects on defeat against Halifax

Key moments from Rochdale Hornets defeat by Halifax
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