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The last Saturday in January saw Manchester RFC making the trip from Cheadle Hulme to Moorgate Avenue in a fixture that both teams needed victory in to help avoid relegation from North West League One.
Rochdale were fielding a strong line-up, a mighty pack of forwards, a quick explosive back line, and a bench full of beef in the form of Harry Hill, Dougie Poole and Eddie Shanks.(A good job that the subs weren’t sat on a bench.)
After twenty minutes of both teams sizing each other up, Manchester opened the scoring from a maul. Converted 0-7.
Rochdale replied quickly through Dom Serridge following a midfield turnover. Converted by Steve Collins, 7-7.
Just before half time Manchester had a second try from a rolling maul, the conversion hit the post. Half time 7-12.
Second half a line out to the back saw Ben Sunderland (Captain on the day) breaking away to put Collins under the sticks. Converted 14-12.
Wing Cliff Howard showed rapid pace breaks through, following a period of pressure from Rochdale – there was no stopping him! Again Collins converted, 21-12.
4th try, bonus point achieved! A good try – ball through various sets of hands, Poole went over, Collins converted, 28-12.
A final score from Sunderland following a break by Collins. Try converted, 35-12.
Manchester came back with a 3rd try, 35-19. Another try would have seen a bonus point for Manchester but It was not to be. Rochdale kept the threat away following a few tense minutes.
Job done! Rochdale leapfrog Manchester in the league table.
