Bowdon 1xt XV 22 – 20 Rochdale 1st XV

The return meeting of these two sides promised to be a spicy affair Rochdale having taken the spoils at home earlier in the season. From the outset both sides drove at each other forcing strong up front tackling the game concentrated midfield. The Rochdale forwards in particular showed great purpose and desire as they tested their opposition. Bowdon struck first 5 minutes in when the forwards combined to release back row Josh Bowland who outstripped the covering defence to score near the posts. 7nil. The lead was further increased at 20 minutes when scrum half James Dennis, aware of the Liam Connolly option offered outside, chose to break and go it alone from the scrum 10m out.12 nil. Rochdale although rocked were not out of the game by any stretch and began to dominate in the set scrum. The erosion of the Bowdon scrum was becoming a feature as it had in the first encounter as Rochdale continued to test Bowdon’s will. Rochdale were awarded a series of penalties near the Bowdon line and their decision to scrum paid off as they rammed home this set piece superiority and drove over to score, 12 – 5 with 29minutes played. As the half drew to a close Rochdale’s lock Sean Needham drifted out toward the left wing unnoticed. When the ball was presented to him as he crossed the half way at pace with a man outside the outcome was written. Bowdon’s defence opened as the red sea had parted for Moses. 12 – 10 half time.

Bowdon started the second half full of good intent, Rochdale full of fire as they quickly took the lead 6 minutes in scoring a try and conversion as they continued to dismantle the Bowdon scrum piece by piece. 12 – 17
Bowdon made changes as the bench came into play and lifted the tempo of the game. Whenever this was achieved they presented numerous problems for Rochdale and returned to the lead through prop Craig Anthony as he powered over to score 12 minutes in. 19-17. With hooker Sean Hughes off with a rib injury Lewis Kitchiner took over the middle spot but an injury to his neck and shoulder meant that scrums became uncontested. This seesaw game took a further twist when Bowdon’s poor discipline lead to a penalty to Rochdale which gave them a slender 19 – 20 lead. The game became ill tempered and scrappy with both sides vying hard for the win. Bowdon’s man of the match Harry Martin was heavily involved with his terrier like ball winning skills proving vital throughout the contest. Bowdon took the lead from a penalty by Will Nicholson and despite having two further penalties awarded Rochdale were unable to come back Bowdon taking the victory 22 - 20.