1st XV
W 33-20
League
26-10-2024
Rochdale
By Charlie Hopper
Scarborough RUFC made it three bonus point wins in a row after a thrilling 33-20 win over Rochdale at a packed Silver Royd.
The visitors, who have one of the youngest squads in the league, had made an unbeaten start to the season and showed their dominance early on. After a second penalty in quick succession, Sam Dawson was shown the games first yellow card for a late tackle. Rochdale, however, struggled to make use of the man advantage and failed to break the deadlock. In the 29th minute, Matty Jones’ side went ahead through Drew Govier. The ball popped up from Seb Holloway into the hands of the centre and he burst clear to score close to the posts. Ollie Carroll added the extras for 7-0. On the stroke of half-time, the visitors responded with an unconverted try. Speedy winger Tom Hesketh raced clear down the left touchline to score in the corner for 7-5.
The early exchanges of the second-half saw Scarborough take early control. Both Jake Lyon and Billy Kelly going close. But it was the visitors who would take the lead, for the first time, in the 52nd minute through a penalty. Their lead would only last five minutes, however, as a converted try from Jordan Holloway re-established a 14-8 lead. The game continued to be played in a fast pace and Rochdale immediately responded. Winger Cliff Howard scoring in the corner for 14-13. Both sides then exchanged converted tries in the 63rd and 67th minute as Sam Dawson went over for the home side before Steve Collins scored for the visitors to leave the game nicely poised at 21-20. Jones’ side then snatched the game and the points in thrilling fashion. On his 100th appearance, Euan Govier scored a quick fire double. Firstly diving over in the corner before he spotted a gap in the defence to score in the 80th minute. The visitors ended the game with 13 men, with two players shown yellow cards in the final exchanges.
Scarborough have a week off next weekend, before they welcome Old Brodleians to Silver Royd