ROSSENDALE turned in a fine display to upset high-flying Penrith thanks to an excellent 32-25 win at Marl Pits in National Three North.

The locals wanted a good start to the clash and got just that as Dan Collins went through the middle to cross for a try after just three minutes and with Steve Nutt adding the extras it seemed all was going well.

They continued to play the game in Penrith territory and it seemed they would add to the lead only to be rocked by the Cumbrians, who broke away and Ian McDowell crossed for a try.

With Steve Wood adding the extras it was 7-7 but straight from the re-start Dale went back in front through the boot of Nutt, who then added another penalty.

But Penrith went into the interval with a 15-13 lead thanks to a Gart Hodgson try and another Wood penalty and Rossendale were wondering how they were behind after dominating for so long.

Things got worse for the locals when James Thornton’s converted try extended the Penrith advantage to 22-13 but rather than throwing in the towel, Dale upped their game and Anthony Bingham darted through to score with Nutt again accurate with the extras.

That score fortified Dale and Wynard van Zyl crossed and Jamie Albinson did likewise to put the locals in control.

Nutt’s third conversion stretched the lead to 32-25 and put them firmly in the box seat, although Penrith claimed their losing bonus point late on when Wood was successful with a penalty as the final whistle blew.

Rossendale Thirds enjoyed a fine day in the Raging Bull Division Four North as they thumped Lancashire rivals Vale of Lune Fourths 67-3.