McKay scuppers hopes of a draw

BOTH sides went into this clash on the back of wins, with Blackburn overcoming Lymm while their opponents saw off Winnington Park, writes JACK TINDALL.

Blackburn made an explosive start young flanker Dominic Moon went over to put them in front inside the first two minutes.

Gareth Evans knocked over a penalty against the wind before Rochdale sprung into life towards the end of the half.

Impressive fly half Xavier McKay went under the sticks on the half-hour and he was influential five minutes minutes later as Rochdale's forwards breached the Blackburn backline for centre Clarke Kaine to go over. Chris Gillingham converted both tries to give Dale a half-time lead.

Winger Evans, fresh from a shoulder injury, waltzed over and converted five minutes after the break then notched six more points via penalties.

But up popped man-of-the-match McKay to scupper Blackburn's hopes. The South African darted through the backs to level with an impressive converted try.

In the dying seconds the ball broke down the wing and scrum half Allan Rollinson pounced to send Burn crashing to their first home defeat of the campaign.