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Brave Lions push Hornets all the way

17/12/2001

ROCHDALE Hornets made it three wins out of three at Spotland on Sunday, but they were made to fight all the way by the battling Swinton Lions.

The Lions showed they were not just there to make up the numbers as Jason Roach finished off a slick passing move after two minutes. The visitors might have gone further ahead as Craig Dean broke clear, and it took a try-saving tackle from Brendan O'Meara to prevent a score.

Hornets responded well but excellent Swinton defence meant they had only a Danny Wood penalty to show for their efforts. Rochdale applied more pressure but basic errors and a lack of cohesion prevented them from breaking through.

In the 25th minute a quickly taken penalty took the home side close to the Swinton line, and from the play-the-ball Richard Pachniuk forced his way over. Wood converted.

It was then nip-and-tuck as both sides went close, but Wood slotted over a penalty just before the break to give his side a 10-4 interval lead.

Early in the second half Swinton might have turned the game to their advantage. Mick Nanyn missed an easy penalty, and then with the try line at his mercy Rob Gallagher opted to pass inside to Nanyn. The pass was a poor one and Hornets were let off the hook.

They punished the visitors almost immediately as Pachniuk broke and made 40 yards upfield. David Larder carried the drive on, passed to Latham Tawhai and his well-timed pass put Agar through the gap to score a try, which Wood converted.

Swinton would not lie down and the lively Dean brought Nanyn onto an inside pass and he cantered through to score. Craig Wingfield added the extras.

Hornets finally sealed the game five minutes from time as two former Swinton men combined. The ball moved quickly left, and with the Lions' defence stretched Paul Smith handed on to Marlon Billy who powered home.

Hornets were home and dry but Swinton must be congratulated for their contribution to an entertaining derby.