Report: Rochdale Hornets 36-32 Swinton Lions

Rochdale Hornets produced a stirring second-half fightback to claim the bragging rights over local rivals Swinton Lions, running out 36-32 winners on a sweltering day at the Crown Oil Arena.

Head coach Gary Thornton made just one change to the starting line-up which advanced to the 1895 Cup semi-finals by seeing off Goole Vikings last time out, with Deacon Connolly handed a debut having joined on a short-term loan from Widnes Vikings during the week. 

There were also returns for former Swinton man George Roby and Isaac Coleman to the bench. Hooker Luke Waterworth also made his 150th career appearance.

The visitors made a quick start as they took the lead after just six minutes as Jordan Brown wrestled his way over from short range. 

Brown helped himself to another 10 minutes later, again from close range, to put his side in the ascendancy. Reece Briers converted both scores.

With both sides making use of the bench due to the blistering conditions, Swinton added to their lead five minutes later. Josh Eaves took in an offload to score under the sticks.

With the Hornets struggling for a foothold in the game, Swinton increased their advantage to 20 points as the clock ticked into the half-hour. A Roby high tackle was penalised, with Briers electing to take the two points on offer and making no mistake.

The Hornets handed themselves a lifeline just before the break as Max Flanagan raced away after being released from just inside the visitors’ half and grounded under the posts. 

Head coach Thornton demanded a response from his troops in the second period, and he got exactly what he wanted as a terrific 25-minute spell turned the game on its head.

Former Swinton man Lewis Hatton began the try-scoring just three minutes after the restart, sliding over after some magic from Jack Hansen to create something out of nothing. 

Connolly grabbed a debut try moments later, storming through a gap in the Swinton line as the Hornets began to claw back the Swinton lead. 

The deficit was gone after 52 minutes as Ethan Wood scored an outrageous try to give his side the lead. The back-rower crashed onto a short ball before fooling Roberts with a step and racing away to score. Flanagan added the extras to give the Hornets a 24-20 lead.

The Hornets then began to take advantage of some tired Swinton defending, as both Flanagan and Hatton helped themselves to a brace. 

Flanagan’s effort consisted of spinning and bouncing off the tackles of the desperate visitors’ defence, whereas Hatton took the route one approach for his score. Flanagan continued his 100% record with the boot to give the Hornets a 14-point lead.

The momentum of the game swung again, with Swinton causing a few Hornets nerves with two scores in the final 10 minutes. 

Trent Kelly-Duffy and the imposing figure of Samy Kibula crossed with Briers converting, but it wasn’t enough as the Hornets held on for a quite outstanding derby day victory.

Following Sunday’s big win, the Hornets now have a week off before making the trip over the Pennines to face Keighley Cougars on Sunday 7 June.

Rochdale Hornets: Flanagan, Boyd, Sa’u, Connolly, Nixon, Paga, Hansen, Dayes, Waterworth, Barratt, Wood, Whitmore, Syme. Bench: Hatton, Roby, Andrade, Coleman.

Tries: Flanagan (2), Hatton (2), Connolly, Wood

Goals: Flanagan (6)

Swinton Lions: Roberts, Ah Van, Lynch, Jones, Higham, Briers, Gibson, Brown, Eaves, Killan, Rodden, Willis, Meadows. Bench: Kibula, Kelly-Duffy, Ratchford, McCurrie.

Tries: Brown (2), Eaves, Kelly-Duffy, Kibula

Goals: Briers (6)

Gary Thornton reaction

Lewis Hatton reaction