A two hour journey turned into nearly three with multiple accidents along the M62 with the players, supporters and referee all being caught up in the traffic. Kick off was delayed despite both sides objections.

With light fading minute by minute it was always going to be a push to complete the 80 minutes especially with winter showers also expected.

The warm ups were completed. The teams made the walk to the pitch from the changing facilities.

The build up to the game focussed on Rossendales impressive win record against Billingham, more so at home. Conditions seemed to favour the home side.

It was the home side who applied the early pressure, after a number of hard carries which were initially held up well by a sturdy Billingham defence finally saw Rossendale within Billinghams 5 metre, A timely intervention from Mike Walton saw Billingham turn over the ball. Peter Evans relieved the pressure making 30 metres from the resulting kick.

Looking to hit straight back, a moment of quick thinking by Elliott Husband saw him take a quick tap from a penalty, feeding Luke Wilson who in turn found the fleet footed Alfie Lawson. A second consecutive high tackle by a Rossendale player. A team warning was given.

Billingham continued to apply pressure, Myers, Jackson and Whinn all making yards with their carries. Another 'seat belt' tackle saw the referee send a Rossendale player to the sin-bin. Billingham called for a scrum. Boyd-Bell having the upper hand in the scrum against opposite number. Despite Billingham on the attack, stern Rossendale defence kept Billingham at bay and a penalty for not releasing,led to Rossendale clearing their lines.

The stalemate continued until a lineout 7 metres out from Rossendales line. A clean take by Ben Walton, Rossendale didnt compete. Walton turned and make 4 metres before being tackled just short of the line. Brother, Michael in support, took the ball from Ben and barrelled over from 2 metres to score the first points of the game. Roxby missed the conversion. 0-5

The rest of the half continued with both teams battling on the half way line. Despite Rossendale going down to 13 men following another high tackle, Billingham failed to capatilise. The wet weather hampering both teams handling.

The second half started. The clouds gathered, the heavens opened and the light faded. Both teams continually battled the condition as well as each other.

Billingham tried to play an expansive game and Tom Briggs found the outside of his man only to slip on the 15 metre line. Support was on hand. Foulds crashed up the middle. A cross field kick from Evans found Lawson on the far side only for Rossendales defence to scramble causing a Billingham player to knock on.

The light continued to fade. The ref kept looking up and looking at his watch. A clever 50-22 from Evans found Billingham just 10 metres from Rossendales line. A McAlorum take in the line out, a Billingham maul led to Mike Walton once again taking the ball and crashing over the now faded white line. 0-10.... A huge cheer from the Billingham supporters knowing it would be the match clinching try. Conversion missed.

Rossendale, knowing time was running out came out of the blocks. Solid hits ensued but Billingham maintained possession. Man of the match Husband fed Luke Wilson to kick the ball out of play. The whistle blew. Elation followed. A huge win away from home. Silence came over the sports park and Rossendales jovial support.

The win keeps Billingham in second place ahead of their home game against Alnwick. A huge game. Alnwick have been very impressive all season.

Its Billinghams infamous Christmas Jumper Day. Your support is needed. Pull on your Xmas jumper and come and watch your club.

#OSIOS