REPORT: TOWN VS ROCHDALE

The second game of our home double header saw the men play Rochdale.

Workington Town were agonisingly close to snatching a dramatic victory on Sunday as Rochdale Hornets edged a fiercely contested encounter 22-20 at the Fibrus Community Stadium.

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Town to take from an afternoon in which the side showed plenty of character, particularly after finding themselves behind in the second half.

The afternoon also provided a memorable moment for teenage debutant Jaiden Tallantire, who announced himself on the professional stage with an outstanding first appearance in the Town jersey.

Town had opportunities early on but it was Rochdale who opened the scoring, converting a penalty before extending their advantage with a try following a defensive lapse.

The response from Town was encouraging, with the hosts beginning to find their rhythm. Tallantire played a major role in getting Town on the scoreboard, producing an excellent piece of skill to put Oscar Doran through for a 20-metre run to the line. Jake Carter added the extras to level the contest at 6-6.

Town carried that momentum into the second half and soon moved in front.

Mason Lewthwaite powered his way through the Rochdale defence to score, although the conversion struck the post.

Just two minutes later, Town extended their advantage again. Jamie Doran's well-weighted kick caused problems in the Rochdale defence, with Zarrin Galea finishing in the corner to make it 14-6.

The visitors responded strongly, however, with two tries in quick succession turning the game back in their favour and putting Rochdale 18-14 ahead.

Town refused to go away.

The hosts spent a sustained period camped inside Rochdale territory, continuing to press for an opening, but the Hornets managed to withstand the pressure.

Rochdale added another try with eight minutes remaining, leaving Town with a mountain to climb.

Once again, there was no lack of fight.

Tallantire capped an impressive debut by finding his way over the line with just two minutes remaining. Carter's conversion made it a two-point game at 22-20 and suddenly the possibility of a remarkable finish was alive.

And that is exactly what followed.

With the hooter sounding, Town earned one final opportunity. Player of the match Jamie Doran produced a clever kick into the Rochdale in-goal and, after the ball was contested, Jude Lupton appeared to have completed what would have been a sensational winning score.

The decision ultimately went against Town, with the try ruled out and Rochdale able to celebrate victory.

While the result was undoubtedly difficult to take, there was plenty for Town to build on from the performance.

Most notably, Jaiden Tallantire deserves huge congratulations on a superb professional debut. The youngster showed confidence, composure and plenty of quality throughout his first senior appearance, contributing an assist before scoring a try of his own.

A huge thank you also goes to everyone who came through the gates and backed the boys throughout the afternoon. Your support, particularly during those difficult final stages, was once again outstanding.

There was heartbreak at the final whistle, but the fight shown by Town right until the very last play is something this group can take forward.

We return home next weekend to finish the season against Whitehaven in a huge derby clash.

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