Rochdale 27 Vale of Lune 16

Vale of Lune's five-match winning sequence in North 2 West ended at Rochdale in an encounter that contained a number of controversial incidents at crucial stages.

In the first half a Vale rolling maul appeared to have been halted illegally close to the Rochdale line.

The Vale were awarded a scrum but the ball was disrupted, Rochdale swept downfield to record a converted try against the run of play in the 38th minute to lead 20-6 at half time. Vale's points coming from the boot of Andy Garnett, who kicked two penalty goals.

A forward drive in the 65th again had Rochdale hanging on close to their line but again they managed to clear without conceding the expected penalty.

Rochdale ran in their final try after the Vale had lost concentration following an incident that was to earn Kevin Gardner a yellow card.

Vale's second half points came from a third Garnett penalty and a late consolation try from Jim Welsh which Garnett converted.

Vale are without a fixture for Saturday, they will resume their league action at Powder House Lane on Saturday. November 12th when high flying Stockport will be the visitors.

Vale of Lune: A. Garnett; J. Curran, K. Gardner, I. Bird, J. Bryan; N. Bennetts,(Capt), A. Richardson; P. Jackson, P. Watson, A. Sutcliffe. (Rep M. Sutcliffe. 78th min.); L. Farnworth, M. Speight; J. Welsh, D. Baines, S. Baines. (Rep M. Fowler 55th min.)