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Rochdale RUFC pull clear of relegation rivals with commanding win over Manchester RFC

Monday, 2 February 2026 21:04

By David Murphy

Credit: Tony Lees

Rochdale RUFC boosted their survival hopes with a 35–19 victory at home to Manchester RFC in a high-stakes North West League One clash on Saturday 31 January.

The Moorgate Avenue outfit went into the game needing a result to leapfrog their visitors in the league table, and they delivered with a clinical second-half display after a cagey opening period.

Manchester struck first with a converted try from a maul after 20 minutes. But Rochdale responded swiftly when Dom Serridge capitalised on a midfield turnover to go over, with Steve Collins levelling the scores from the tee.

The visitors regained the lead just before half time, again using a rolling maul to good effect. This time, the conversion attempt struck the post, and the teams went in at the break with Rochdale trailing 7-12.

Rochdale turned the tide early in the second half. A well-executed line-out move saw captain Ben Sunderland break clear and offload to Collins, who dotted down under the posts and added the extras to edge his side in front.

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The hosts extended their lead through winger Cliff Howard, who showed blistering pace to finish after a sustained spell of pressure. Another Collins conversion made it 21-12.

Momentum stayed with Rochdale as they secured a bonus point with a flowing move involving several players, ending with Dougie Poole touching down. Collins remained perfect from the tee, pushing the score to 28-12.

Sunderland then capped off a commanding performance with a final try, created by a line break from Collins. The conversion took Rochdale to 35 points.

Manchester hit back with a third try to bring the score to 35-19, but their hopes of snatching a losing bonus point were dashed as Rochdale closed out the match with resolute defending during a tense closing spell.

The result lifts Rochdale above Manchester in the standings and gives them a crucial advantage in the fight to stay in the division.

Next up is another vital fixture against Bowdon RFC.

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