The Forester’s faithful travelled to a breezy Scunthorpe to watch Dale take on the high-flying hosts.
Unfortunately for the Greens they were up against it from the start, having only fourteen players available.
Despite the numerical disadvantage the opening period was cagey. It was evident that the wind was going to limit both teams and that playing in the right areas would be key.
In the 10th minute wing Michael Robinson regathered a loose ball just inside the opponent’s half. Slick handling took the ball left to right. Fullback Owen Bullock joined the line on the wide right. Excellent pace and footwork saw him cross the line to open the scoring. Score 0-5.
Scunthorpe then went through a number of phases playing in the Forester’s half. Despite this the Green’s defence looked comfortable and repelled the hosts.
On the 15th minute mark, Scunthorpe put some phases together and got into Dale’s 22. The ensuing ruck saw no guard in place for the Greens. The opposition tight head identified this and managed to score near the posts. This made the score 7-5.
Scunthorpe shortly afterwards received a yellow card and the two teams had even numbers.
The game was a stop start affair, not helped by the elements. Spencer Bennett finished off a good try to put the Greens ahead 32 minutes in. Score 7-10.
A tackle infringement by Dale resulted in a penalty near to their posts. The hosts excellent kicker scored, taking the score to 10-10 at half time.
In the new half Scunthorpe scored a second penalty two minutes in taking the score to 13-10. The Foresters then enjoyed a period of play where they were pushing for another try. After a sustained set of drives by the forward’s, edging the Greens closer to the line, a pick and go saw prop Henry Ellison score a try in the 53rd minute. The score was now 13-15.
Scunthorpe picked up another yellow card and things were beginning to look promising for the away side. However, Dale were unable to score during this period. Fresh legs and a concerted effort saw the hosts score two tries in the 65th minute and then, from a driving maul from a line out, taking the closing score to 27-15.
Next Week the Foresters are at home.
Team: – 1, T. Whitehead, 2, S. Holden, 3, H. Ellison, 4, S . Borrill (c), 5, Z. Phillips, 6, W. Beecroft, 7, S. Bennett, 8, D. Wills, 9, F. Walker, 10, S. Cox, 11, M. Robinson, 12, E. Sumner, 13, Ollie Bullock, 14 —, 15, Owen Bullock.