in final minutes

Tyldesley 15,

Rochdale 41

TYLDESLEY RU but up a brave performance before succumbing in the final ten minutes of a pulsating match with league leaders Rochdale.

Rochdale opened the scoring with a try out the left wing but Tyldesley hit back with a Wallbank penalty almost immediately.

Both sets of forwards took turns to run at each other but the defensive lines of both teams held firm.

In a near carbon copy replay of the first try, Rochdale again spun the ball wide to their speedy and powerful winger who charged over on the left.

Tyldesley turned up the pace and a flowing movement between backs and forwards saw flanker Mark Swanton take the final pass and score. Wallbank failed with the conversion and Tyldesley ended the half 10-8 down.

In the second-half more quick ball put the right winger in at the corner then a line-out drive resulted in a try out on the left. Tyldesley could have been forgiven for mounting a damage limitation exercise, but instead took the game to the opposition.

Concerted pressure inside the Rochdale 22 created an overlap after good work from centres Dave Sivill and Stewart Manning. Replacement Tom Cartwright was on hand to score a try in the corner which Wallbank landed brilliantly.

Flattering scoreline

Rochdale broke away again in the last few minutes to score another two tries and giving a flattering scoreline.

On Saturday, Tyldesley travel to Rossendale hoping to pick-up a point to consolidate their mid-table position.

Tyldesley Knights strengthened their grip on top of the Second XV league with an excellent 22-15 away win at third-placed Rochdale.

Tries came from stand-off Ashley Worsfold who bagged two tries and the tireless veteran Steve Palin. Next Saturday the Knights entertain neighbours Leigh in a game sponsored by Ideal Mortgage Solutions.

Tyldesley Dragons continued their march with a comprehensive 27-3 victory over Rochdale. Tries came from Sean Tyrer, John Fetherston and Paul Martin with Peter Mannion doing the business with the boot. So good was the home side's defence that the visitors several points down at the time, elected to kick at goal from a penalty just inside their own half.

Tyldesley Colts had no fixture but they entertain West Park St Helens at home this Sunday in the quarter-final of the Lancashire Under 17s Cup (12.30pm ko).

Lancashire County RFU has confirmed the Lancashire Colts Cup finals will be held at Tyldesley's St George's Park ground on Sunday April 28. The U17, U18 and U19 will be played at the Astley Street ground.