Rugby League: Rochdale Cobras 10 - 36 Cardishead Rhinos

Rochdale Cobras ARLFC started brightly with a number of new players taking to the field on Saturday 18 May, with a brilliant defence.

Unexpectedly, Cardishead took the lead with some good off loads, kicking Rochdale into gear.

After Cardishead scored their second try of the game, Rochdale Cobras had a glimmer of hope with a try of their own, by new player Zach Crabb.

Crabb used his quick feet to get past three Cardishead players to score on his debut.

The second half came and Cardishead came out of the blocks to attack Rochdale.

Rochdale didn’t expect this and had to defend deep into their own half with a couple of niggling injuries not helping.

Chris Lightfoot was then left unconscious following a tackle, and had to be taken off the field.

Due to no substitutes, Rochdale was down to 12 men on the pitch, still defending to the last man but the fresher legs of Cardishead made it hard work for the tired men of Cobras.

Some good play from James Percy nearly made a try out of nothing: the prop saw a gap and attempted to kick the ball behind the defence.

He tried to retrieve the ball again, but it was caught by Cardishead.

As the last 20 minutes approached, Rochdale was soon down to 10 men.

A very good attack saw Danny Ligairi-Badham, Kane Morgan and Mike Swetman get to a Cardishead try line on the left side. Due to a sin bin and an injury, no try was made.

With 10 men on the pitch, Rochdale seem more determined to at least get another try, which they did thanks to some good work down the left by Swetman, for another debut try.

Rochdale tried for another try, but it didn’t happen with the game finishing 36-10

Coach Ben Bird said after the game: “We played some good rugby, probably best I’ve seen at Cobras, but unfortunately due to injuries, this meant we struggled to compete. Had we had 17 men ,we would have beaten them.

“This is a new team and I am confident that we can finish in the playoffs or higher this year.”

Rochdale’s next game is at home on 1 June to Saddleworth Rangers where there will be a barbecue and fun for the children.