ROSSENDALE warmed up for next weekend's EDF National Cup clash at Widnes with an emphatic victory over St Benedict's.

The Marl Pits side ran in nine tries to simply outclass their Cumrian visitors.

It was a game where everything went Rossendale's way and the Saints didn't get into the home side's 22 until the final five minutes.

Blind side flanker Richard Horrocks capped off an energetic display with a hat-trick of tries while man-of-the-match Roger Dennison crossed for a brace.

Alistair Harper continued his good form with a brace of tries while wing Dan Fenn and front row forward Duncan Horrocks added a score a piece to take the tally to nine.

Shaun Stirrup had a mixed afternoon with the boot but still slotted over sixconversions and a penalty for a personal haul of 15 points.

In truth, this was an 18 man performance. All the starting 15 and their replacements played a vital role in delivering 80 minutes of free flowing rugby on a damp pitch - all achieved without the vigorous presence of forwards coach Danny Collins who was enjoying the warmer climes and International sevens tournament in Dubai.

This week Dale takes a trip to Widnes in the 4th Round of the National Cup. Kick off at Heath Road in Widnes is 2.30pm.

Next home game for Rossendale is January 5.

ROSSENDALE: Dennison, Kolinisau, Harper, Diggle, Fenn, Hilliard (Browning 60 mins), Stirrup, Goosen, McKenty, R Horrocks, Woodward, Ellinor, John (Mitchell 65 mins), Entwistle, D Horrocks (Knights 75 mins).