Rochdale travelled to Marl Pitts on a day where there could be no excuses to postpone, as has happened on previous occasions, and they probably wish they could have because they were second best in every aspect of the game against a professional looking Rossendale side.

Dale were looking to prove several points against their arch rivals, and right from the first whistle they played with pace and patience.

With the pack far more powerful and the backs quicker in mind and foot, the whole side was sharper than in previous weeks and looking to play the game with pace and attack.

With several players pulling out of the game through injuries, Dale had to make last minute changes with Danny Collins coming into the centre alongside Dale’s favourite, son Danny Harrison, and Anthony Bingham making his Dale return from the bench.

Dale eventually ran out winners 62-17 in a rout that consisted of 10 tries equally shared around the backs and forwards.

Leyton Taylor came off the bench and helped himself to a hat-trick, Paddy Pole continued his try scoring antics with a brace along with Jamie Albinson and former Rochdale player Ali Harper, and Grant Eddlestone scoring his first senior try.

Bramhall added six conversions to complete the one sided game.

To Dale’s frustration Rochdale managed to cross for three tries that showed more about Dale’s sloppiness than their opponents craft in attack.

Dale scored some wonderful team tries, however with some tougher sides coming up they will have to be more composed and make sure that half chances are taken to score when they arise.