Report: Rochdale Hornets 18-16 Swinton Lions

Rochdale Hornets edged past Swinton Lions to book their place in the 1895 Cup first round proper, thanks to an 18-16 victory at the Crown Oil Arena.

The Hornets were back in 1895 Cup action two weeks after a comprehensive victory over Cornwall at Mayfield Sports Centre.

Head coach Gary Thornton made five changes to the side following their previous outing as Ben Will, Myles Harrop, Luke Forber, Ben Killan and Oli Burton were all recalled to the starting 13.

After a territorial battle, and with fine margins separating the sides, it was the Hornets who struck first after 15 minutes. Luke Nelmes received a great short ball before twisting, turning and crashing over to the left of the sticks. 

With a real attritional battle taking place under the grey Rochdale skies, Myles Harrop produced a try-saver as Francis Sergent threatened to dive over down the right edge. 

Moments after being denied, the visitors did cross. Aaron Lynch powered onto a pass and raced clear to open Swinton’s account for the afternoon, with the boot of Dan Abram drawing the sides level at 6-6. 

Swinton added to their tally five minutes later. Ellis Anderson finished off a nice move down the left as the visitors worked the ball from right to left at speed.

Having addressed his troops at half-time, and facing a 10-6 deficit, Gary Thornton’s men came out the blocks firing and had themselves in front after five minutes of the second half.

Captain Duane Straugheir received a short ball and powered through the Swinton line to cross, with Max Flanagan kicking the Hornets into a two-point lead.

The Hornets scored again less than two minutes later. Another superb ball out of dummy-half from Morgan Punchard found Straugheir, who ran an identical line to his try but this time had Ben Will in support to dive over in the corner. 

With Swinton threatening to gather the same momentum they had at the end of the first half, it took another try-saving tackle to keep the Hornets lead intact, with Luke Forber acrobatically pushing Sergent into touch, much to the delight of the home faithful. 

The Swinton momentum did, in fact, continue, and they reaped the rewards on the hour mark as Abram proved too quick for a Hornets defence defending a fourth consecutive set on their line. 

He converted his own try, tying the game up at 16-16.

Having been awarded consecutive penalties of their own, the Hornets elected to take the two points on offer and get themselves back in front. Flanagan duly dispatched the ball through the sticks to give the Hornets a slender advantage with 14 minutes remaining. 

With five minutes left, the Hornets were offered another chance to add two points. 

However, they decided to turn it down, hoping for more. The “more” they wanted never came though, as they left Swinton territory empty-handed.

A nervy final few moments ensued after the decision to run the penalty, but the Hornets defence stood firm and resolute whilst being given a helping hand by Swinton knocking on close to the Hornets try-line.

It proved to be a huge effort from Gary Thornton’s side, who held on to set up a meeting with near neighbours Oldham in the next round. 

Rochdale Hornets: McNally, Will, Ashton, Harrop, Forber, Flanagan, Else, Killan, Burton, Nelmes, Meadows, Straugheir, Whittel. Subs: Punchard, Andrade, Dayes, Brannan.

Tries: Nelmes, Straugheir, Will

Goals: Flanagan 3/4

Swinton Lions: Roberts, Anderson, Higham, A.Lynch, Sergent, Briers, Abram, Sidlow, Hartill, Walker, Rodden, Cox, Beardsworth. Subs: Roby, D.Lynch, Kelly-Duffy, Shingler. 

Tries: A.Lynch, Anderson, Abram

Goals: Abram 2/3