Rugby Union: Rochdale RUFC 7 - 15 Altrincham Kersal RFC

Dominic Macklin, Rochdale RUFC

On a wet day at Moorgate Avenue, Rochdale were deafeated in their most important match so far this season, against fellow strugglers Altrincham Kersal, a side they beat 20-0 away earlier in the season.

Rochdale were missing Tom Callaghan but had Tom Helliwell and Ross Hartley in the pack.

Altrincham opened the scoring, after dominating the early play, with penalty in front of the posts.

The play was all in the midfield for the next 20 minutes with both sides battering away but with no clear cut chances. Penalties and free kicks were a constant, breaking up play and leading to frustration on the pitch where Dom Macklin felt the full force of a high tackle and had to be replaced by Blair Henry whilst his cut was dealt with.

The Altrincham number eight was yellow carded and whilst he was in the sin bin Rochdale started to put together some good moves with Josh Schofield, Travis Townsend and Jimmy Flitcroft all getting breaks as far as the 22.

One such attack saw the ball cleared to half way where it was collected by Schofield  who broke through the Altrincham defence and played the ball wide to Flitcroft who powered over. Converted from touch by James Duffy.

Half time: Rochdale 7 - 3 Altrincham

The second half was a dour affair with the  weather making conditions difficult - the wind favoured Altrincham and they kicked well and pinned Rochdale back in their own half for long periods.

Altrincham retook the lead when a line out led to a breakaway and a try right under the posts. An easy conversion.

James Duffy was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on - a blow to Rochdale’s chances of getting back into the game.

Altrincham scored their third try with an overlapping move that exposed the weakened Rochdale defence. The conversion was missed.

The game petered out to a disappointing result for Rochdale and elation for the Altrincham, who whilst not safe are looking a lot stronger with this away win.

Next Saturday Rochdale have a tough fixtire at Firwood Waterloo.