Rugby Report: Middlesborough 11 Rossendale 8

Date published: 02 March 2010

Playing on a sticky surface Rossendale had the better of the early exchanges but again failed to convert pressure into points.

The first twenty minutes saw Rossendale mount a number of lively attacks only to be thwarted by some stout Middlesborogh defence.

Rossendale took the lead with a James Bramhall penalty but elected to run other penalty awards when on reflection the better option would have been to take the points on offer.

Rossendale's back row of Thompson Mackenzie and Pole gained good ground for the half backs to exploit and eventually an overlap was created for Tom Albinson to score a well worked try in the corner.

The conversion was missed and a series of mistakes and some sloppy lineout play allowed Middlesborogh back into the game with their own unconverted try just before half time.

Both sides continued to play entertaining running rugby with Middlesborough having slightly the better of the exchanges as the game moved into the final stages resulting in two penalties both converted by

Middlesborough's young county winger to give the home side victory by 11 points to eight.

The lack of outdoor training as a result of the recent bad weather was probably a factor in Rossendale falling away towards the end of the game.

Rossendale now have seven home fixtures starting with West Hartlepool this week kick off 2.15pm which should enable them to secure their place in this league next season.