Tarleton 2nds beat Rochdale despite high winds

Tarleton Second XV entertained Rochdale at Carr Lane on Saturday with the usual 40 mph gales in attendance which was going to hamper Tarletons’ open style of running play.

Indeed, the first half seemed to pass very quickly with both sides struggling with the conditions and seemingly unable to find gaps in the oppositions defence.

Rochdale were penned in their own half for most of the first 40 minutes and Tarleton created 2 clear cut chances that saw them going over to score but on both occasions the last pass was deemed as forward so the first half ended 0-0.

Tarleton were now playing into the wind and keeping the ball in hand and harder work from the forwards was the order of the day.

However, it was Rochdale who drew first blood when they spun the ball along their back line to score a good try in the corner, this was unconverted so Rochdale led 5-0.

Tarleton utilised their forwards to make hard yards and on several trips into the Rochdale 22 they created good opportunities for the backs but Rochdale kept rushing up to stop Tarleton gaining any momentum in the backs.

On three occasions they were just a bit too keen and were pinged by the ref for being offside – Dan Mallinson had three penalty opportunities during the second half into a gusting wind and he slotted them all to give Tarleton a 9-5 advantage with 6 minutes to go.

Rochdale started putting more high kicks up using the wind as an ally and they almost broke through with the last play but George Cook who had been dealing with Rochdale’s probing kicks all day at full back dealt with this one too and Tarleton came out winners.

A win is a win, and the Seconds are now targeting a top three finish and will be looking for a good result next week at home v Leigh 3rds.
 
The firsts lost away at Orrell  (17-14) to a last minute penalty which keeps them in 4th. place in the league and they travel to Pendle next weekend looking to get back to winning ways.