Rugby Union: Rochdale RUFC 19 - 26 Firwood Waterloo

Rochdale RUFC v Firwood Waterloo

Non-stop rain and at times a fierce wind dictated the play as Firwood defeated Rochdale at Moorgate Avenue.

The opening 10 minutes saw pressure on both defences but neither could find the final pass.

The scoring was opened by Rochdale after Duffy had kicked for touch. Bradley’s throw in, was caught and quick ball out gave Jimmy Flitcroft his chance and he crashed over the whitewash and under the posts. Oli Coldman converted.

Waterloo hit back when Rochdale lost the ball following a lineout deep in Waterloo territory. Following several good passes, the Waterloo centre raced in under the posts. The simple conversion levelled the score.

Rochdale came back with their own good passing move and support play after James Duffy incepted a pass around the halfway line. He raced forward and was caught but he had support from Coldman and Townsend. Duffy took the final pass and went over close in. Colman was accurate with the conversion. 

Waterloo had the majority of the possession and was battering the Rochdale defence .

Helliwell and Hindle tackled ferociously, winger Matt Buckley put in a great tackle out wide to stop a certain try but Waterloo regrouped and forced their way over the line close to the posts. Again another simple conversion to once again draw level.

Waterloo put together at strong passing move which ended with the winger racing through and into the corner to score an unconverted try.

Rochdale had relaxed their concentration and had paid the price.

Coldman had a long range penalty fall short.

Half time: Rochdale 14 - 19 Firwood Waterloo

Storm “Brian” had kicked in and the rain and wind aided no-one and Rochdale found themselves under prolonged pressure as they fought to level the scores.

Rochdale's Tom Hindle was injured and was  replaced by Leo Freshou.

Midway through the second half, Rochdale produced the try of the game. Hard yards had them in the Waterloo 22 and it was Rochdale's turn to batter the Waterloo defence.

The Waterloo tighthead was deemed by the referee to have committed one too many offences and was awarded a yellow card.

Rochdale took the ball and twice tried and failed to crash over the line. However, after yet another penalty the ball was worked to winger Blair Henry who dived full length for the corner to touch down over the line.

Waterloo came again but Rochdale cleared their lines several times.

Waterloo had an overlap but failed to touch dowand Rochdale cleared again.

The pressure finally told with the last play of the game. An unconverted pushover try by Waterloo gave them the victory.