Rochdale Hornets edge Swinton Lions in gritty derby opener

Monday, 19 January 2026 16:13

By David Murphy

Rochdale Hornets kicked off their Betfred Championship season with a hard-fought 12-8 win away at Swinton Lions in a tense local derby.

The Hornets came from behind in difficult conditions to take the spoils, with Ethan Wood’s second-half try and four goals from Max Flanagan sealing a narrow victory at Heywood Road.

Swinton took the lead midway through the first half when Jack Stevens landed a penalty from 15 metres out after a spell of pressure in the Hornets' red zone. The home side had dominated early territory but failed to capitalise on several attacking sets close to the line.

Rochdale came close to scoring shortly after when Dan Nixon took a high ball under pressure, only to spill it as he hit the ground.

Just before the break, the Hornets suffered a setback when second-rower Matty Unsworth was stretchered off following a lengthy stoppage in play.

However, they started the second half strongly. Max Flanagan slotted two penalty goals in quick succession to put the visitors 4-2 ahead.

Swinton hit back when Jamie Reddecliff pounced on a loose ball to score the game’s only try for the Lions, with Stevens converting to restore a four-point advantage.

But the Hornets were not done. With ten minutes remaining, Ethan Wood crossed in the corner after a sustained spell of pressure. Flanagan added the extras in driving rain to make it 10-8.

As Swinton pushed forward late on, Rochdale remained composed and forced a penalty near the hooter, which Flanagan calmly converted to put the result beyond doubt.

The win followed a confident pre-season outing against Goole Vikings and marked a positive start to Gary Thornton’s first full season in charge.

Swinton Lions: Roberts, Parkinson, Jones, Lynch, Higham, Stevens, Ratchford, Shingler, Openshaw, Reddecliff, Willis, Rodden, T. Kelly-Duffy.

Subs: Brown, Beardsworth, Roby, Meadows.

Tries: Reddecliff

Goals: Stevens (2)

Rochdale Hornets: Flanagan, Boyd, Ashton, Sa’u, Nixon, Punchard, Dallimore, Dayes, Whitmore, D. Kelly-Duffy, Unsworth, Wood, Syme. Subs: Waterworth, Hatton, Andrade, Metcalfe.

Tries: Wood

Goals: Flanagan (4)

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local Sports

Inclusive rugby group at Rochdale Mayfield continues to grow with new players always welcome

A disability rugby group at Rochdale Mayfield RLFC is going from strength to strength since its launch in 2024, with new players encouraged to join its inclusive monthly sessions.
Tributes pour in for ‘deeply respected and passionate’ community football hero

Tributes are flooding in following the sudden death of ‘deeply respected and passionate’ community hero Dale Harris. The 31-year-old, well-known in the community for supporting youngsters into football and championing local sports, passed away at Royal Oldham Hospital on Monday, January 12
Rochdale sign striker Manny Duku on short-term deal

Rochdale AFC have completed the signing of forward Manny Duku, who joins the club on a contract until the end of the season.
Draw made for Wheelchair Challenge Cup

Rochdale Hornets' wheelchair team will host Edinburgh Giants in the Wheelchair Challenge Cup round of 16.
Tamworth 1 - 1 Rochdale (Tamworth won 7 - 6 on penalties)

Dale were knocked out of the FA Trophy on penalties by Tamworth at the fourth round stage.
Humbles goes on loan

Dale midfielder Liam Humbles has joined Altrincham on a loan deal until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Rochdale teen earns prestigious Dojo Instructor title after completing coaching programme

A dedicated Rochdale teenager has officially qualified as a karate instructor after completing an intensive coaching programme, earning the title of Sensei.
Rochdale Masters Rugby League recruiting new players ahead of pre-season

Rochdale’s Masters Rugby League team is calling on new and returning players aged 35 and over to get involved as it gears up for pre-season training this January.