Wilmslow 26 Rossendale 55

WILMSLOW Wolves are continuing to find it hard going in the Northern Premier League.

In defeat to Rossendale on Saturday they conceded 46 points or more for the fourth game in succession.

The same Wilmslow frailties on show all autumn were in evidence again.

Wolves have been winning their fair share of decent first-phase possession from scrums and lineouts in every game and at times they have produced some good enterprising rugby.

Knutsford Guardian:

Elliott Rowe is supported by James Coulthurst

But their ability to retain possession of the ball in open play is still poor and the source of most of their problems.

Rick Jones didn’t feel his side had got any rub of the green from referee Kieron Henry at the breakdowns and that told particularly in the second half of a game in which Bob MacCallum was sidelined with a rib injury which meant a difficult and challenging start at number 10 for Elliott Rowe, who acquitted himself with many more pluses than minuses.

Jones singled out Adam Hewitt, Jonny Kennedy and Harry Patch for brave performances and added: "The side never gave up, especially when they were under the cosh for a long period in the middle of the second half.

"They showed character in defence and in the end were worthy of their bonus point.

"If we could just become more patient and cut out those kamikaze moments, then we could be doing so much better.

"We just now have to pick ourselves up and go again whatever the outcome."

Wolves, who visit Wirral in their next outing on November 17, spilt the ball three times in the first 12 minutes and Rossendale seized on the loose ball to counter attack at pace and to score on each occasion.

It was 28-0 before the Wolves started to compose themselves and play some decent rugby for the rest of the half and managed to pull back the deficit to 28-12.

Rossendale came on strong again and at 45-12 with half an hour to play the game was lost.

A robust heroic defence prevented any further scores for the time being and from a lineout set up a catch and drive for their third try.

In the last play of the game, they again crossed from a catch and drive to secure a bonus point.

Wolves number eight Alex Taylor scored all three of Wilmslow’s catch and drive tries from close range.

He also delivered the inside pass to Sean Street for Wilmslow’s second try after a fine break by winger Harry Patch, who continually caught the eye, down the middle from the restart had split the Rossendale defence.