Glossop’s first run out in 2023 ended in a narrow loss in a game they will be sorely disappointed to lose. 

Early in the game, the visitors slick handling and speed out wide, caught the Hillmen napping and Rochdale raced into a 12-0 lead. 

Director of rugby, Neil Pearsons men responded with a try of their own though through young winger George Kooper which was converted by Liam McGovern to reduce the deficit to 7-12. 

The fact that Glossop hadn’t played for two weeks due to bad weather and then had the Christmas break showed, with their defence not quite up to their usual standard. 

Rochdale ran in their third try just before the break in similar fashion to push their lead to 17-7. 

Rochdale's fourth and bonus point try came immediately after half time, after they capitalised on sloppy Glossop handling and raced in to make it 22-7 in their favour. 

The home side belatedly rallied though, with punishing powerful runs from centres Jake Gibson and Lewis Winterbottom, before Man of the Match Josh Edwards crashed over from a well rehearsed tap penalty play, which McGovern converted to reduce the deficit to 14-22.

Late in the game, number ten McGovern put in a measured cross field kick which was gathered by young back row Louis Maltby to touch down. Unfortunately, Glossop had left it too late and the visitors took the win back to Rochdale.

Final score: Glossop 19 Rochdale 22. 

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