Rochdale Hornets 56 - 24 Cornwall

Date published: 09 May 2024

A rocky start for Hornets saw them give away six penalties in the first 20 minutes against Cornwall on Sunday 5 May at the Crown Oil Arena. Hornets struck first through Harrop and after a high tackle from Roden putting him in the bin, Nichol dived over for Cornwall, to give Cornwall a slender 4-6 lead.

A penalty filled affair seemed on the cards, both teams making high tackles and some good old fashioned brawling. Eventually it was Cornwall who showed their frustration, as Punchard was ironically sent off for a red card.

Forber carried on his scoring ways by getting over after 35 minutes. Ridyard again missed the kick leaving Hornets a slender 8-6 in front.

Ridyard then showed his experience with a behind the back pass towards “Captain Rochdale” on superhero day. Duane Straugheir diving over and Ridyard converting his first of the afternoon.

Tommy Brierly got over for his first of the day, back to back tries for the Hornets just and just on half time Forber dived over, but was disallowed his second for being in touch. Hornets lead 20-6 at the break.

It was a dream start for Hornets in the second 40, tiring the 12 men of Cornwall down through the middle, Brad Brennan got over showing his power.

A total lapse in judgement from the kick off saw Hornets gift Cornwall a try, which was converted by Cam Brown, back to back tries but the opposite team scoring the second.

It was three sets and three tries however, Lewis Else dancing through and over in his style, putting Hornets comfortably in front with around 35 minutes to play.

Forber read a huge dummy from Ridyard which eventually resulted in a big pass over the left hand edge for him to dive over for try number two. And minutes later veteran players McNally and Ridyard linked up to put McNally over for his 199th try of his career.

Two tries from Brierley in the 60th and 65th minute, separated by a Cam Brown 80m dash for a Cornwall try, completed his hat trick and sealed the game for Rochdale,

A Cam Brown consolation however finished off the game as he ran through the tired defence of the Hornets, the game finishing 56-24 to Hornets.