Rochdale Hornets suffer heavy defeat at Midlands Hurricanes

Rochdale Hornets' hopes of ending their losing run were dashed after a 42 to 4 defeat against Midlands Hurricanes at Avery Fields.

The result leaves Gary Thornton's side with a fourth successive defeat in all competitions ahead of next week's trip to Sheffield Eagles.

The Hornets returned to action after a three week break looking to build on their last league victory at Keighley, with Chris Barratt, Mark Ioane and Alex Chippendale returning to the side.

Midlands made the brighter start and opened the scoring inside five minutes when former Hornets half back Lewis Else broke through the defence to score.

TJ Boyd thought he had levelled for Rochdale soon afterwards following a flowing passing move, but the winger was ruled to have stepped into touch before grounding the ball.

The home side took advantage of the let off and extended their lead through Luis Roberts before Jon Luke Kirby powered over for a third try.

Jamie Dallimore's kicking game briefly put Midlands under pressure, forcing a goal line drop out, but Rochdale were unable to make the most of their field position.

Else crossed for his second try of the afternoon before Ethan Wood was shown a yellow card following an incident involving the Hurricanes half back. Aidan McGowan added another try just before the break to give the home side a commanding lead at half time.

Midlands continued their dominance after the restart as James Woodburn Hall crossed early in the second half before adding his second try later in the game.

Rochdale came close to scoring when George Roby stretched for the line just before the hour mark, but he lost possession as he attempted to ground the ball.

The Hurricanes added further tries through Sully Medforth and Woodburn Hall as they completed a convincing victory.

The Hornets avoided being kept scoreless when Dan Nixon finished in the corner five minutes from the end, but it proved only a consolation as Midlands secured their third successive league win.

Rochdale now turn their attention to next week's away fixture against Sheffield Eagles, where victory will be important if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the play offs alive.