The Seconds run in the Robinsons Brewery Cup came to a juddering halt at Rossendale in an error strewn performance that included too many missed tackles in a back division that failed to match the intensity that was displayed by the forwards who are affectionally known as “Dad’s Army.”
But there was nothing makeshift about the pack, who under the passionate leadership of Dan Rainford, whose profile is fast approaching legendary status, battled valiantly until the final whistle. He received valuable, unstinting assistance from other “veterans,” Rhys Randall, Paul Peters, Dave Robinson, Alex Cowey and the seemingly indestructible warrior, Paul Scott. Where do they get their staying power from? What is the elixir? Where can we mere mortals get it from?
Unfortunately it was a different scenario in the wide open spaces where the threequarters endured an x-rated eighty minute nightmare that was littered with half hearted tackling, lazy passing, poor kicking, a combination that was meat and drink to a Rossendale side that not only planted their feet firmly under the table but snaffled all the condiments and cutlery. Matt Thackray was an honourable exception to the mayhem that erupted around him; he tackled himself to a standstill but was unable to inspire those around him.
The writing was on the wall for the Seconds from the eighth minute onwards when a Rossendale centre cruised over without a hand being laid on him in anger. Five minutes later another passage of careless rugby allowed Rossendale to add a second try.
After such an untidy opening Dan Rainford, playing at number eight, instilled some discipline into Vale’s game. It was obvious where the problems lay and through the efforts of the forwards some stability returned and Rossendale’s supply channels began to be disrupted.
In the twenty fourth minute Rossendale added a converted try but the Vale had the last word when Dan Rainford picked up at the base for a deserved try converted by Lee Starkey who worked hard throughout behind the scrum.
Trailing 17-7 at half time the Seconds were just about in touch and if only they could tighten up on their defensive duties then all would not be lost. But the mountain became higher when another easy try was gifted in the forty ninth minute. Rossendale then enjoyed a purple ten minute patch when they ratcheted up another four tries.
Dave Robinson collected a consolation try when he mauled his way over, some recompense for his hard working fellow forwards, none more so than Andy Waite who is improving with every game and is making a strong case for elevation; Lee Starkey added the conversion with a superb kick at the conclusion of a disappointing afternoon.
Thanks to Reg Robinson for his notes.

Thanks to Paul Killshaw from Rossendale for his excellent photos.