Late tries from Boyd and Nixon seal hard-earned win for Rochdale Hornets in home opener
Rochdale Hornets made it two wins from two in the Betfred League 1 after overcoming a slow start to defeat Workington Town 20-14 at the Crown Oil Arena.
The Cumbrians scored twice in the first half to take control, but Gary Thornton’s side hit back through TJ Boyd and dominated the second period, with Dan Nixon and Boyd again crossing to turn the tie.
Workington started the brighter, opening the scoring inside four minutes when Mason Lewthwaite pounced on a low kick to touch down. The Hornets responded with pressure but failed to convert two repeat sets into points.
Brandon Leigh added Town’s second ten minutes before the break in controversial fashion. Many in the stands thought Zarrin Galea had knocked on under a high ball, but the loose ball was hacked forward and grounded by Leigh.
Rochdale halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time when Jamie Dallimore’s weighted kick was finished by Boyd, giving the hosts a much-needed boost heading into the break.
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
- Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
The second half saw a rejuvenated Hornets outfit assert themselves. Dallimore, central to most attacking moves, was tripped to earn a penalty early on, and Junior Sa’u went close soon after but was denied by committed defending.
The home side finally drew level when Joe Hickey’s pinpoint kick was gathered by Nixon, and Max Flanagan converted to make it 12-12. Boyd struck again minutes later, breaking free on the wing to score his second, with Flanagan again accurate from out wide.
With six minutes left, Nixon rose highest to claim another high kick and grab his second try, sealing the win and two competition points.
Although Rio Corkill scored a late consolation for the visitors, converted by Jake Carter, the Hornets had done enough to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Next up is a major Challenge Cup tie at home against Wigan Warriors on Sunday 8 February at 3pm.
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