Before the game Rochdale and 'Park were equal on points at the top of the league. Rochdale came hoping to avenge a defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, which was their only home defeat this season. It was a big game for both teams.

In almost perfect but cold conditions Rochdale kicked off only for one of 'Park's very nervous players to knock on. Not the start 'Park wanted. It was not the first mistake 'Park made. Both sides seemed nervous and made mistakes, but 'Park were making more mistakes and giving away more penalties. After 13 minutes a penalty was awarded to Rochdale just inside the 'Park half. It was a long kick with a following breeze which went over to calm the Rochdale nerves and only served to make 'Park more anxious. Play was mainly confined to midfield with both sides cancelling each other out, but again 'Park infringed just outside their own 22 and the penalty was put over making the score 0 - 6 after 29 minutes. The score remained at 0 - 6 until half-time.

'Park had the breeze in the 2nd half but continued to frustrate with loose passes and kicks, many of these, it must be admitted, caused by pressure from Rochdale. However 'Park did get close to the Rochdale line and were awarded a penalty which Ronan O'Brien put over making the score 3 - 6 after 10 mins of the 2nd half. 'Park were defending narrowly to keep Rochdale from their line, but Rochdale took advantage by sending the ball wide quickly to score in the corner. Two minutes later a similar situation saw Rochdale spin the ball wide quickly to score again near the corner. This score was converted, making the score 3 - 18 after 28 minutes of the 2nd half.

From being only 3 points behind after 25 mins of the 2nd half, the game was as good as over after 28 minutes. 'Park pressed but could not break down the Rochdale defence and in their eagerness made mistakes which nearly allowed Rochdale to run the length of the field to score. Even the much vaunted 'Park pack was pushed off their own ball towards the end. This may have been caused by over confidence in expecting to win their own ball. Two two back row players preparing for a move after they had hopefully won the ball, but forgetting that by doing this 'Park only had 5 pushing against the Rochdale 8. The result was that the pack went backwards like an express train, the first time it has done that this season.

A very nervy important game won by the better team on the day. 'Park drop to third in the league, 2 points behind Rochdale and level on points with Leigh. They now have to hope that they beat Leigh in two weeks time and that Rochdale lose twice before the end of the season.