Rochdale News | Sports News | Rochdale Hornets 56 – 24 Cornwall

A difficult start for the Hornets saw them concede six penalties in the opening 20 minutes against Cornwall on Sunday 5 May at the Crown Oil Arena. The Hornets struck first through Harrop and after a high tackle by Roden which dumped him, Nichol pounced over for Cornwall to give Cornwall a slim 4-6 lead.

A penalty-filled affair looked on the cards, with both teams doing high tackles and some good old fashioned scrambling. In the end it was Cornwall who showed their frustration as Punchard was ironically sent off for a red card.

Forber continued his scoring by crossing after 35 minutes. Ridyard missed the shot again, leaving the Hornets in front 8-6.

Ridyard then showed his experience with a back pass to the ‘Rochdale captain’ on superhero day. Duane Straugheir dived over and Ridyard converted his first of the afternoon.

Tommy Brierly went over for his first of the day, back-to-back tries for the Hornets just on the stroke of half-time, Forber dived over but had his second disallowed for contact. Hornets lead 20-6 at halftime.

It was a dream start for the Hornets in the second 40, tiring Cornwall’s 12 men through the middle, Brad Brennan going over showing his strength.

A complete lack of judgment from the kick-off saw the Hornets gift Cornwall a try, which was converted by Cam Brown, back-to-back tries but the opposition scored their second.

It was three sets and three tries, though, with Lewis Else dancing back and forth in style, putting the Hornets comfortably in front with about 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, veterans McNally and Ridyard combined to put McNally over for his 199th career try.

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

However, a Cam Brown consolation ended the game as he weaved his way through the tired Hornets defense as the game finished 56-24 for the Hornets.