Egremont travelled down to Rochdale looking to get back to winning ways after disappointing defeats had left them languishing near the bottom of the table. Rochdale themselves flying high at the top of the table were the favourites going into the contest as a win and other results going their way would see the team from Lancashire climb to the summit of the table.
It was the Rangers who made the better start to the contest, with the pack seemingly fronting up well and the Rangers defence standing tall, unfortunately it was Mayfield who crossed first after applying pressure on the Egremont Line, Before the home sides stand off found a gap in the so far strong rangers defence, calls for the ball being grounded short by the away side and supporters were soon dismissed by the ref who awarded the try to the home side 4-0 after 17 minutes. The resulting conversion was swiftly converted by the scrum half, 6-0 to Mayfield.
Egremont still continued to press and were soon once again applying pressure on the Mayfield line however to no avail as the home defence stood firm. On 23 minutes Mayfield managed to cross for their second try of the afternoon once again against the run of play. Egremont were firmly camped on the Rochdale line, the ball was swiftly put through hands before a little grubber kick was attempted by the Rangers as they looked to cross for their first try of the afternoon. Unfortunately for the Rangers as is well known the bounce of a rugby ball is unpredictable and the grubber kick landed in the hands of the home side full back with all of the Rangers pressing for the try it was open field for the full back who torn up the ground to run the full length of the touchline before cutting back to score under the posts, easy conversion for the home side 12-0 now the score line.
The game was now a battle with both teams still giving their all however no team could cross the line after a number of chances were bombed by both sides, the game soon drifted into half time 12-0 to the home side and still in context anyone’s game.
The start to the 2nd half was to be crucial for the Rangers as a try would see them well and truly back in the contest, never the less the 2nd half got off to the worst start possible for Egremont as from the kick off the Rangers coughed up possession of the ball back to the home side in dangerous field position. This was to prove costly as on 42 minutes the Mayfield Scrum half ghosted over the try line to score the home sides 3rd try of the game, the resulting conversion was swiftly put over by the number 7 to convert his own try to now make it 18-0 to the home side, the comeback was still a possibility for the Rangers but they knew they had to score next to have any hope in the contest.
Indeed it was the Rangers who crossed for the games next points when Prop Forward Tom Horner, smashed his way over the line to give the Rangers some hope of a comeback with 26 minutes left on the clock, Matthew Bewsher converting 18-6 now on the board.
Never the less this is pretty much as good as It got for Egremont as the home side then went through a 10minute romp, scoring 4 try’s in quick succession following countless mistakes from the Rangers; the first of which came on 59 minutes when the home side crossed through their full back who was now operating from the hooker position for his second try of the afternoon. This time the conversion was unsuccessful 22-6.
The second of these 4 try’s in 10 minutes came 3 minutes later when Mayfield’s centre crossed for his sides 5th try of the afternoon, the resulting conversion successfully slotted over by the Mayfield scrum half 28-6 and no pretty reading for the Rangers.
Only 2 minutes later the home side extended their lead when the fullback darted over to complete his hatrick and Rochdale now cutting through the Egremont defence like a hot knife through butter. The flags rose as the conversion was slotted over 34-6 and the 50 point mark for the home side looking ominous as they continued on their role.
67 minutes gone and Mayfield crossed again this time through their hooker after a break from mid field. The hostile home crowd roared as the conversion was successfully dinked over by the home scrum half 40-6 and still plenty of time on the clock for the home side to inflict more pain on the Rangers.
However it was the Rangers who now decided to turn up in the contest only 70ish minutes too late, as they stemmed the bleeding of try’s from the home side, Egremont were now finally making inroads into the Mayfield’s defence this was prove its worth for the Rangers when on 75 minutes, Rangers centre Leon Cellin crossed for the Rangers 2nd try of the afternoon, a small bit of pride restored, the conversion was quickly took by Bewsher and was successful 40-12 with 5 minutes left, no chance of a comeback on this occasion.
Even though the damage had already been inflicted it was Rangers who had the final say in the contest when Rangers man of the Match Horner, crossed for his second of the match using pure strength and power to get him over the line, kick successful by Bewsher. Full time whistle blown, 40-18 final score.
Egremont will now be looking to put this baron spell behind them as they welcome Castleford Lock Lane to Gillfoot park on Saturday 25th July. With both teams scrapping for points it is sure to be and entertaining game. So get down and support the lads in a time where everyone’s support is needed.

Egremont Team vs Rochdale Mayfield
Jack Stainton
Ryan Barnes
Leon Crellin T
Matthew Bewsher 3G
Anthony Leak
James McDonald
Paul Corkhill
Tom Horner 2T, MOM
Daniel Telford
Michael Ellwood
David Hartley
Tom Stainton
Kieran Glenn
Cameron Moore
Matthew McEwan
Tom Whalley
Aaron McGlennon
HT 12-0 FT 40-18