Rossendale win back-to-back games

Following last weekend’s narrow 32-25 win over Penrith – only Dale’s third win of the season – they repeated the feat to climb up to sixth place in National League Three North.

It is the highest position of the season for last season’s beaten play-off finalists and Fourie says the mini winning run is down to a fit and firing forward line.

“We have had six or seven regular first teamers missing for most of the season for one reason or another and it has hit us hard,” said the player/coach who has only recently returned from a six game lay-off.

“It is no surprise that we are winning again after getting most of those players back in the team.

“The problem has given us the chance to blood a number of youngsters and for them to get a taste of first team action is a good thing.

“But to have our key players back is vital and we know have a week’s break which means we have a little longer to get everyone fit and healthy.”

In recent weeks, Dale have been able to call upon key players such as Leyton Taylor, Andy Dauncey and Fourie to bolster their pack.

And it was two of the mainstay of that forward line who were among the tries for Dale with Danny Collins and Paddy Pole both touching down.

Jamie Albinson also scored while flying young winger Sam Lothian enhanced his reputation with another try.

Steve Nutt kicked two conversions.

Scoring tries hasn’t been Dale’s problem this season – but conceding them has.

That is something Fourie is looking to address.

“Last season we had the second best defensive record in the division but this year we have one of the worse.

“We’ve had a few words to try and sort out a few things so hopefully we can get back to the way we can play.

“Because of the situation we were in, a few of the more experienced players were trying to take on too much and it wasn’t really working.

“So we are going back to basics and playing the percentage game and hopefully that will work.”