Billingham welcomed Rossendale to Greenwood Road this week knowing a victory would cement their position in 4th place irrespective of the last games outcome.

With Rossendale recently announcing a change at the top with a certain Byron McGuigan taking over the coaches role alongside his Sale and Scotland commitments, it was obvious it was going to be a hard game.

Rossendale kicked off and as expected the Billingham crosswind picked up. Dan Burns collected the kick off before being hit by a ferocious tackle. Rossendale announced their arrival...

Billingham quickly rose to the challenge. Returning Mike Walton alongside second row partner Mike Whinn, made in roads in the Rossendale defence. On the 7 minute mark, Nic Winstanley fed stand off Luke Armstrong who sent a a flat pass across the Rossendale defence to Leon Turnbull who outpaced his opposite number before handing off the flaying full back to score his 4th try in two games. Luke Armstrong converted. 7-0

Rossendale soon got back into the game. Their scrum seemed to have the initial edge. Rossendale 10 and 15 dictating play allowed backline to create a gap which was duly accepted. 7-7.

Buoyed by their efforts Rossendale were clearly pumped up. Probably too much as they conceded penalty after penalty allowing Billingham to march up the pitch. Frustrations set in, altercations happened which followed with Rossendale receiving a yellow for repeated infringements.

Billingham soon capitalised on the extra man. Whinn making the big hit up, Winstanley with the quick pass to Wilson who in turn found Mike Walton who cut through the Rossendale defence to scamper in from 50 metres. Luke Armstrong converted. 14-7

Half time 14-7

With Rossendale still down to 14 men, Billingham kicked off and were quickly on the attack. This time it was livewire winger Martin Hopley who crossed the whitewash which allowed Billingham to have some breathing space. Luke Armstrong converted. 21-7.

Rossendales big forwards started to blow, which meant gaps started to appear. Burns was replaced by the giant Ryan Kirkbride who was quickly into the game. Swatting defenders off allowed Billingham to have quick ball. Wilson made good yard with Youll off his shoulder carrying into the 22. However Rossendale were penalised once again for a repeated infringement and a further yellow was shown.

Dixon replaced Spoors and Peter Evans replaced Youll. Dixon showcased his immense strength which allowed Billinghams scrum to dominate a now weakened pack. Billingham pushed and drove a tiring Rossendale pack back with allowed Anth Jackson to get over the line. Luke Armstrong converted. 28-7

The next score came from Kirkbride. One of the tries of the game... A cross field kick for Hopley to chase, up against a much taller full back, Hopley outjumped, somewhat basketball esque who tapped back to the supporting Kirkbride who scored on his return from injury. Luke Armstrong converted. 35-7

With momentum truly with Billingham they showed no sign of letting up. Husband carried back from a Rossendale kick off, offloaded to Turnbull who got up to half way. The ball was spun wide which found Armstrong in space and showed a clean pair of heels to out run the Rossendale defence. Luke Armstrong converted. 42-7

Last by no means least of Billinghams scorers was from player coach Peter Evans. A clever chip back inside after Hopley made 15 metres up the touch line saw Peter Evans gather and score under the posts. Luke Armstrong completed his 100% record by converting. 49-7.

It was however Rossendale who had the last word as the carried hard up the middle and tiring Billingham defenders left a gap out wide which Rossendale exploited to score.

Full time 49-14

A comprehensive performance from a Billingham squad which cements their 4th place finished. The top 3 was possibly too much given the scale of injuries and unavailability through the season but a pleasing finish nonetheless.

A great finish in our last home game of the season...

One game to go... vs Wirral on the 23rd April

#OSIOS