Rochdale Hornets 54 - 12 Oxford RL

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A superb kicking performance by Paul Crook helped Hornets to an emphatic victory over Oxford RL

A rampant second half performance from Hornets gave them victory in their first home game in almost two months. Oxford put up a spirited first half fight but Hornets superior second half performance gave them a well deserved victory to end a miserable three match run of defeats.

Hornets were quickly on the score sheet - a try for Danny Davies, which Crook converted.

The lead was extended when John Cookson took advantage of a fortunate bounce to go over under the posts. Crook converted.

Crook made Oxford pay for an offside taking the two points from a penalty to give Hornets a 14-0 lead.

Oxford finally hit back a with a good try, scored by John Clough, after several sets on the Hornets line. Leather converted.

A break and 50 metre run, after evading a poor attempted tackle, saw J J Baird score under the posts for Oxford. Leather converted to take Oxford back within two points of Hornets.

Oxford had the opportunity to level the score with a penalty just right of the posts, 40 metres out but Leather missed the kick.

Hornets regained their composure and Danny Davis scored his second try on the stroke of half time. Crook added the extras from the touchline to give Hornets a more comfortable half-time lead.

Half time: Hornets 20 - 12 Oxford

Hornets started the second half as they did the first with a quick try. Dave Hull going over the line and Crook converting to give Hornets a 14 point lead.

Hornets very quickly added to their tally when McClurg made the most of Warren Thompson being held just short to dart over just right of the posts. Crook added the extras.

Still not half way through the second half and Hornets put the game well beyond doubt with a break away try. Martin Waring returned a kick nearly 90 metres to score under the posts. Crook kept his 100% goal kicking record for the match to make it Hornets 38 - 12 Oxford.

A rampant Hornets turned the screw as Dave Hull added his second of the game scoring out on the left touchline. Crook missed a kick for the first time in the game!

With the game entering the final minutes a determined Wayne English brushed aside Oxford defenders to crash over on the right touch line. Crook converted.

Hornets topped the fifty points mark as Crook was first to the ball following a kick through. He then converted to take his conversion tally to nine from ten.

A minutes silence was held prior to kick-off in memory of Hornet stalwart Jean Garside who died recently.