SECOND-placed Rossendale produced a fine performance at fellow high-flyers Wigton to secure a nail-biting 15-14 victory.

The result cements Dale in second place in the league with their focus on chasing down league leaders Blackburn.

Dale started brighter winning lots of possession and playing the game in Wigton territory.

However, poor lines of running and indecision at the breakdown cost Dale a couple of scores during this period.

Wigton soaked up the pressure resolutely. A lack of discipline by Rossendale allowed Wigton to kick themselves into field position and take the lead. Wigtons fullback Paul Branthwaite slotted his first penalty from right in front.

Dale responded instantly. From a scrum inside their own half, Number eight, Joel McKenty, broke through before feeding Danny Collins.

Collins was clear with only Branthwaite to beat.

He delivered his pass to Richard Horrocks who ran in to score unopposed. Shaun Stirrup converted and Dale led 7-3.

The first half was a struggle for Dale as they played with little control.

Wigton made ground with the boot, forcing Dale back into their own half.

Once more, Branthwaite slotted an easy opportunity from a penalty and the half finished 7-6 to Dale.

This was a close encounter between two of the better sides in the league.

Dale struck the first blow in the second half when Stirrup split the uprights with a fine penalty from 35 metres out.

Dale now in front 10-6. An almost immediate reply from Wigton closed the gap again to one point, 10-9 to Dale.

Into the final ten minutes Dale's pressure was beginning to tell.

Three times they were held up over the line. Following a good spell of pressure by the forwards the ball was resleased to the Dale backline.

The ball was moved to Roger Dennison who grubber kicked ahead before diving on the loose ball to score. Dale now leading 15-9.

In the final few minutes, Wigton forced Dale back to their five metre line.

An error at the front of the lineout allowed Wigton to seize the loose ball and dive for the line.

The referee awarded a controversial score. Wigton had a shot at goal to take the lead.

Luckily, the miss kept Dale in front 15-14.

Moments later the final whistle and Dale's cheeks blew.

A superb win that gives Rossendale a real shot at some glory this season.

Forwards coach, Danny Collins, said: "A great win for us.

"Wigton are a great side. We played well and while I don't like to single out players, Mark Ellinor and Mark Walmsley were awesome today.

"Ellinor for his workrate and Walmsley for his tackling. "