Tough Loss On The Road

Saturday 9th September 2023

Regional 1 Northwest

Rossendale 54

Leek 12

The Moorlanders suffered their worst defeat in a number of years as they travelled to Rawtenstall to meet Rossendale at Marl Pitts, where the home side are pitching for promotion to the National leagues.
Playing against a high quality side, it showed Leek’s players the gulf they need to bridge in order to challenge at this level and will come as valuable learning early in the season.

Jack Newton Taylor, Kin Critchlow and Sam Brereton made up the back 3 with Joe Byrne and Rob McDermott at half back. Josh Nadin and James Floyd were in the centre. Leek Williams, Ed Cheadle and Gregor Hayes were in the front row and Luke Hardern partnered Joel Booth at lock. Joe Gorman, George Hunt and Billy Kidd were in the backrow. Sam Lloyd, Tom Scragg and Bobby Cheadle made up the bench.
On a very hot day, the hosts, playing down the slope, opened up with some scintillating play, showing power, pace, skill and physical presence as they scored 3 tries in the opening 10 minutes, all converted, as Leek tried to adapt to a different level of play. Finally, holding on to the ball a bit longer, it took Rossendale another 14 minutes to add the bonus point try and conversion before adding a 5th try on 31 minutes to move the score to 35-0.It looked very comfortable for Rossendale, but their players were working hard to make the space and create the overlaps for their quick wing, ex sale player Byron McGuigan, to show his particular skills.
From this kick off return though, Jack Newton Taylor took the ball in the air, won a penalty and McDermott kicked for the lineout in the Rossendale 22. It was Leek’s first chance, but the throw didn’t work and Rossendale cleared. However, another penalty on 37 minutes, allowed for the same opportunity and this time the forwards gathered the ball for the maul drive which turned into several rucks under the home posts and finally Joel Booth dived over the top to score. Joe Byrne added the conversion, the half time whistle blew, and Leek were on the board at 35-7.

The 2nd half opened with Leek playing down the slope and were pressing in the Rossendale 22 on 43 minutes but a knock on gave Rossendale the chance to turn defence into attack and ran the length of the field to score a try in the left corner. The conversion was good, and the score moved to 42-7.
From the kick off, Rossendale scored again in the left corner with Leek unable to stem the tide of quick passing and support and undoubted pace. The conversion missed. 47-7 on 45 minutes and it was to be the final Rossendale try until the last play of the game as Leek upped their game, kept hold of the ball and made the home side do a bit more defending.
A lineout for Leek on 51 minutes led to a maul and series of rucks again and this time skipper Ed Cheadle burrowed over for a try. Joe Byrne couldn’t convert but at 47-12, Leek’s target was all about a bonus point with 2 more tries.
In truth, Leek had 2 more chances in the half, with Byrne held up over the line for one and the ball lost on the line for the other and the game ended unfortunately for Leek as a dropped ball was hacked through, collected and the excellent flanker went over for his try. Converted, the final whistle blew at 54-12 and all players and the referee could get out of the searing heat which had been unrelenting all match.

A very tough first away match for Leek at this level and there will be plenty for all to think about and work on this week at training before Leek welcome Wirral to St Edward’s Park this Saturday. They too suffered an opening day defeat at Rossendale but scored plenty of points in that match and against Macclesfield despite losing both. It will be another big test for Leek, so please come on down to the club and give your support. KO 3pm.

The 2nds won an historic first match in the English Club Championships on Saturday as they defeated Cleobury Mortimer at St Edward’s Park by 47-15, scoring 7 tries to 2, in a very encouraging performance. They will be travelling the short trip to play Newcastle 2nds this Saturday.