ROSSENDALE's pride was dented but not crushed as they suffered a heavy Powergen Intermediate Cup defeat at Vale of Lune.

Despite turning out a depleted team, Dale dominated the opening 40 minutes against a team from a league above.

Two tries from back row forward Simon Bond and captain Andy John -- one converted by Keith Howie -- underlined Dale's efforts and for a time they had the home side reeling.

But that was as good as it got for Rossendale as within 10 minutes of the restart they conceded two converted tries and a total of seven.

But Dale never gave up -- with Howie in particular in battling form -- and they scored a late try through Paul Woodward following a forward drive from a line-out.

Coach Andy Birtwistle said: "No one likes losing heavily, particularly in a cup match, but our first half display was very heartening despite having half a team unavailable."

VALE OF LUNE...58 ROSSENDALE...19