Scorpions beat Rochdale at the Gnoll
The men from Spotland
By Chris,
June 20 2010
A weakened Scorpions side claimed a tremendous 30-25 victory over Rochdale Hornets on Sunday afternoon at the Gnoll. On one of the best days for Welsh Rugby League in years, Anthony Seibold's men delighted the home crowd in the South Walian sunshine to secure a crucial win.
As the Crusders claimed a truly remarkable win at Leeds, the Scorpions secured their third win in four as they ran over thirty points against the Hornets.
With Seibold's men missing a handful of big names, fans could be forgiven for expecting Rochdale to take maximum points back North with them.
Craig Johnson bagged the opening try of the game for the visitors before Paul Crook converted, and a dismal afternoon looked on the cards as Ryan Powell followed him over soon after for another converted try.
Fans favourite Steve Parry got the Scorpions back into the game soon after with Loz Wildbore converting - and another six points was soon to follow as powerhouse Christiaan Roets cut through the visiting defence.
Crook's drop-goal before the break put Rochdale ahead by a single point, but the Scorpions seized the initiative for the first time after the break through Lewis Mills.
The impressive Wildbore extended the advantage for the home side as he chased his own chip kick to score before booting another conversion - but Rochdale got themselves back into the game as Damien Reid reduced the arrears to seven points.
The gap came down yet further as Dean Gorton bagged an unconverted try, but an amazing cross-field sprint from Curtis Cunningham and another Wildbore conversion put the hosts in control.
Andy Saywell scored the last try of the game - but Rochdale missed another conversion with their poor goal-kicking crucial in this contest.
The win gets the Scorpions' play-off hopes firmly back on track after last week's defeat to Swinton. The fledgling club sit seventh in the table with a two-point cushion and game-in-hand over Workington Town.
The afternoon's only disappointment was the crowd of 522. Last week, a record crowd watched a largely unattractive affair. This week, a much smaller gate watched a much better match-up! Next up is a crucial fixture at Derwent Park against Workington.
Full Time - South Wales Scorpions 30-25 Rochdale Hornets
Attendance - 522
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As on aside did you include the Neath Cricket fans next door who came over to watch during the second half , that must add on another dozen or so!
RUGBY LEAGUE- THE NO .1 SPORT (atleast in the summer) IN NEATH!
Nothing is more emotive than attendances at RL and football matches.
Union fans just don't seem bothered in the same way.