A WONDERFUL breakaway try by full back Mick Cross sealed a stirring performance by Rossendale as they beat the much fancied Warrington in their first game of the season.

Cross was involved in a three-man move which started virtually under the home side's post when centre Eddie Stephens intercepted a wayward Wires' pass.

Whether it was lack of pace or knowing he had support on hand, Stephens waited for backup which came from fellow centre Gary Allen. And in a slick move that followed, the ball was moved back to Stephens who sent Cross racing clear to score under the posts.

The try typified Rossendale's fighting spirit for, while no one player managed to dominated proceedings, the team rallied together to win against a side that just missed out on promotion last season and inflicted two heavy defeats on Dale into the process.

But they played with passion and, more importantly, discipline to win.

The driving rain made handling conditions poor and there were plenty of knock-ons and unforced errors.

However Rossendale's committee men and supporters had no such fears of getting wet as a lorry parked pitchside with a bar on board sheltered them from the rain - and kept them plied with ale!

On the pitch Matt Corns was enjoying his Rossendale debut and the outside half immediately forged a good understanding with half back partner Russell Bridge. Despite the heavy conditions, more suitable to nine man rugby, Rossendale showed their intentions to throw the ball out wide whenever possible and winger Kane Lightfoot got an early chance to stretch his legs.

Warrington had a chance to take the lead after Rossendale's forwards were penalised but outside half Andrew James missed his penalty kick.

Despite Warrington being the bigger side, Rossendale were undaunted and won most of the individual battles. Stephens underlined the fact with a crushing tackle on Anton Fields to halt the visitors in their tracks.

With ill-discipline creeping into the Wires' game, Corns got a chance to get some points on the board and the stocky fly half made no mistake with a kick from just in from the touchline.

But Corns failed to extend Dale's lead moments later when another kick narrowly missed the target.

With only the Wires industrious scrum half Gez Louden and full back Matt Drinkwater managing to cause problems, Rossendale remained in control.

However with only three points on the board they needed to score again to settle their nerves.

And it was a nervy final 15 minutes as Warrington upped the pressure.

But it was Rossendale who came closest to scoring when number eight David Davis picked the ball up at the base of the scrum and powered towards the line only to be held up a few inches short.

Warrington seemed to be camped in the Rossendale 22 yard area but, as they swung the ball out looking for the decisive touch down, Stephens intercepted and the rest, as they say, is history.

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