Rugby union: Rochdale Senior Colts 38 - 14 Warrington Colts

Rochdale Colts gained promotion to Lancashire League A last season and they welcomed Warrington to Moorgate Avenue on Sunday (4 September) for the first game in the Preliminary A League. It was ideal weather for a fast open game and both teams came to play rugby.

Rochdale were out of the blocks quickly, with Ben Haigh gathering the kick off and making good ground into the Warrington 22. However, the Warrington defence held firm and worked hard to repel this initial attack. Rochdale were on top in the first quarter and soon had their reward when a loose clearance was swiftly moved to the right wing where Tom Hesketh scorched around the outside and beat the Warrington fullback all ends up to score under the post (7-0).

Warrington were still trying to get a foothold in the game but Rochdale's ball carriers were making inroads and, after some sustained drives, Olly Mills was on hand to force his way over from close range (14-0).

This was just the start Rochdale wanted but Warrington are a class outfit and began to work their way back into the game. This was partly due to their impressive lineout but also due to Rochdale giving away field position with some needless infringements. Warrington were able to capitalise on an abundance of possession, scoring a couple of quick tries to level the scores, and bringing the first half to a conclusion (14-14).  

Both defences were watertight at close quarters and it was apparent that if either team was to take the initiative in the second half it would require more than a battering ram approach. Warrington’s defence is very much rugby league based with fast line speed, gang tackles and targeting the ball. Rochdale realised that there was always space behind the defensive line and began to exploit this with some clever kicks. Rochdale were again on the attack and a pin-point crossfield kick by Mitch Holt gave Ben Kershaw the opportunity to compete and win the contest for the ball, rising above his opposite number before grounding the ball out wide (19-14).

 

 

The game was now in the balance and it was Rochdale that stepped up. After more pressure in midfield, Haigh brought the defence to him before putting James O'Connell through the gap. O'Connell had plenty to do but was able to get to the outside and fend off would-be tacklers to score out wide (24-14).

The home team were now controlling the game with better decision making. Another quality box kick allowed Kershaw to again compete and win the ball; using his strength to hold off tacklers until Zac Baker arrived to take the scoring pass and run in unopposed under the posts (31-14).

There was just time for Hesketh to score another try and add gloss to a hard-fought win (38-14).

The standard of rugby is a step up from last year so Rochdale will be pleased with their first outing in the top flight. Lots of good performances; upfront, Garrett Myers, Jacob Jackson, Ben Hankinson, Tom Drennan and Sonny Joyce carried well. Behind the scrum Will Rawlinson, Max Cooper, Nick Wright and Tom Shaw all had strong games.

Ben Sunderland was named man of the match for his high work rate, strong carries and great turn-overs.

Sean Sunderland