A QUESTION of not taking their chances resulted in Rossendale slipping to their second successive defeat in the league.

Their somewhat low key preparation saw them concede a try as early as the fifth minute.

Rochdale's left winger finished off a basic back's move, which left the usually reliable visitors defence wanting.

Despite this, the valley side rallied and although they lost number eight Simon Bond to the sin bin for 10 minutes they camped themselves in the Rochdale half for the remainder of the half.

The return of Bond enabled them to increase the pressure.

A series of scrums five meters from the opposition's line was a feature of this.

Twice they were held up when attempting to ground the ball, and once when going for a pushover try.

Rochdale's front row deliberately collapsed the scrum. A penalty try was not given but nevertheless it heralded Rossendale's first points.

Bond fed scrum half Keith Howe who in turn released right wing Gary Allen who touched down to make it 5-5 on the half hour.

Both sides exchanged penalties before the turn round, and both realised the game was there for the taking.

The second half was littered with missed opportunities for the valley side.

An attempted drop goal by Matt Corns started it off, the ball rebounding off the crossbar.

Stuart Browning came into the back line from full back and with the try line within his sight was somehow bundled into touch.

Twice, a catch and drive from a lineout, five yards out, seemed likely to bring a score, alas Rossendale proceeded to squander both attempts.

With 10 minutes remaining and Rochdale hardly venturing into their opponents half the game looked set for a draw. However, from a scrummage on the halfway line the home side broke blind and a kick and chase saw their winger touch down.

A final rally by Rossendale brought nothing in return but saw captain Scott Cunliffe leave the field with an ankle injury. Other injuries to Russ Bridge and Mick Barnes added to the tale of woe.

A trip to Kirkby Lonsdale this Saturday is the last thing they would have wished for, but unless they can convert pressure into points then their title aspirations will be in danger of coming off the rails.

Rossendale's second XV also had a late change. Colne and Nelson provided the opposition following Sedgley Park 3rd crying off.

A surprising 0-0 scoreline summed up a forgetful afternoon.

Hopefully the visit of Kirkby Lonsdale's second string to Marl Pits this Saturday, kick off 2pm, will bring a brighter spectacle.

ROCHDALE...13 ROSSENDALE...8