RRUFC U14s 10 - 24 Leigh U14s

Rochdale U14s lost at home versus local rivals Leigh.

Rochdale had been narrowly beaten the previous Sunday against Yorkshire champions Old Brodlians, however, the Rochdale coaches had seen plenty of green shoots to be encouraged for this game.

Leigh adapted better to the new laws at the scummage and were more clinical at the ruck, which left the home team still looking for the first win of the season.

Rochdale started brighter and both sides looked comfortable with ball in hand. However, too many handling errors by Rochdale gave Leigh the impetus and after 15 minutes Leigh scored close to the posts. The conversion gave Leigh a first half lead 7-0.

Rochdale changed a few positions and  the second half started similar to the first half.

Nico Rizzelli now playing at number 8 picked from the base of the scrum and burst through the blindside to score in the corner. No conversion the score now 7-5 to Leigh.

A slick move from Leigh led to their second try, which was not converted, score 12-5.

Rochdale rallied and skipper Moore gave the ball to Rizzelli, who fended off several players, crossing the try line but failed to ground the ball correctly and the referee disallowed what would have been a great try.

Rochdale were again caught sleeping and Leigh passed the ball along their backs for the winger to score an unconverted try in the corner, score 17 -5.

Rochdale dug deep and captain Moore shimmied his way through and scored an unconverted try. Score 17-10.

An injury to fly half Dean delayed the game and as Rochdale pressed for the equalising try, Leigh broke through in the final minute to score under the posts. The try being converted with final score, Rochdale 10 Leigh 24.

A Rochdale spokesman said: "Again a lot of encouraging signs during the game and Fox and Brown led from the front, with a very spirited display by the rest of the team."