Broughton Park 22 v 15 Rochdale.

'Park were again playing opposition from a higher league having dispatched Liverpool St Helens from a higher league in the previous round.

Rochdale are 4th in the league above and had only lost twice this season. Rochdale were promoted out of 'Park's league last season where 'Park beat them away and lost at home. The home defeat probably cost them promotion so there was plenty to try and avenge.

'Park showed their intent by driving Rochdale back with good driven mauls and recycling the ball well. Simon Verbickas now playing at outside centre received the ball and with a smart kick ahead, which he followed up, to score a try near the posts. Tom Mapp converted into the wind to make the score 7 - 0 after 5 minutes. Rochdale hit back with a penalty when 'Park's backs were caught offside 5 mins later.

'Park's kicking was losing them ground and a loose kick gave the ball to Rochdale who kicked ahead and gathered in the ball and fed the winger out on the right who scored taking the corner flag with him over the line. 7 - 8 after 20 mins.

'Park's forwards were beginning to dominate in the set scrums, lineouts and the loose play. No. 8 John Clifford was well to the fore nearly making the line, the ball was recycled to Julian Callanan deputising for the injured Matt Sheene who made no mistake driving over with many Rochdale bodies hanging on. 12 - 8 after 32 mins.

'Park were showing some good touches and were pressing Rochdale back, but a mix up in midfield allowed Rochdale to hack the ball on and follow up for a try wide out against the run of play, 12 - 15 at half time.

The Rochdale flat widespread defence was proving difficult to penetrate but a kick behind them was not gathered by the Rochdale full back and Man of the Match centre Tom Mapp pounced to score a try in the corner.

Simon Verbickas kicked a teasing ball into the corner and 'Park followed up to win the ball from Rochdale which was fed to full back Ronan O'Brien to score in the corner. The score at full time was 22 - 15 to 'Park.

'Park at times played as the coaches wanted them to play in this match. A good performance overall. It can only get better with top try scorers Matt Sheene (broken leg) and Stuart Coakley (torn ligaments) soon to be back and forwards Tight head prop Geoff Kendell and openside wing forward Dave Rodgers recovered and trying to reclaim back their places. The competition for places is healthy!

Barry Allen.