Match Report by Theo Bowyer

Port faced an uphill task quite literally, in the first half where Rossendale started the stronger and pinned Port in their own 22. However, some excellent resilience in the tackling department kept Dale at bay.
The opposition were left frustrated at their lack of early conversation rate from the pressure they had created. The game was held at 0-0 for the first 10 minutes. Then a moment of controversy as Will Conner was allegedly punched in the scrum. He went off with a head injury to be assessed for concussion. Post match he went to A & E for further checks. Once more Rossendale were camped in Port’s half and again the visitors held firm. The first opportunity to force the opposition backwards was a line-out but unfortunately Port couldn’t secure possession deep into Dale’s territory. The game was following a repetitive pattern and with Port’s defence once again under siege, Dom Sheratte was binned for a head on head collision. Port’s resistance was finally breached, and Rossendale scored in the left hand corner. No more than they deserved. 5-0 (conv. missed).
Will Conner was back on and Port had a chance to go in front. A well worked line-out and a drive from the forward pack led to Matt Lawrowitsch going over under the posts. 5-7 (try conv). To score from Port’s first meaningful foray into Dale’s half was a significant blow to land.
However the lead was short lived as Rossendale collected line-out ball and scored. The line out calls from the referee all game were dubious at best. At least he was consistent for both sides. 12-7 (try conv).
A lapse of concentration from Port, as the ball was carried over their own try line when touched down, resulted in a scrum and a try for the men in maroon. 19-7 (try conv).
The shift Port had put in during the first half was beginning to take its toll as another straightforward score followed. 26-7 (try conv). Dale’s structure and movement was impressive. They also had some ‘wrecking ball’s’ who carried them over the gain line constantly.
The final few minutes of the first half could really have cost Port the match as the second half was going to be easier, running downhill.
The second half kicked off and badly needing to score next, Port conceded. 33-7 (try conv). This was a body blow, but the response was heartening, especially in light of the challenges to come.
Port rallied to the cause, and this resulted in a try for Rory Austin. A little hope was restored! 33-14 (try conv).
Port had a foothold. Their pack was coming into its own and a powerful rolling maul, which looked sure to go over, was pulled down cynically by Dale. This resulted in a predictable yellow card but no penalty try. Bizarre. The scrum was dominant all game and Port punished their 14 men moments later as Matt Lawrowitsch was over for his second try of the game. 33-19 (conv. missed).
Jack Martin, who had a really combative game at centre, said, “I think that was our best game.” Against a really well drilled outfit, it was difficult to argue with that summation. The fact Port had won the second half 12-7 was also evidence of the togetherness of the team and how each game they are learning how to adapt to playing opposition of a higher level.
Another positive of note was how Port responded to the situation of the game, being pretty much out of reach at half time. It would have been easy to down tools, but their character and persistence to not give in was displayed throughout and even in the dying embers of the match almost forced a losing try bonus point. Final score, Rossendale 33 Port 19.
The matches don’t get any easier as Port face another tough away trip this coming Saturday away at Sandbach. We hope to see you there!