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Action pictures can be purchased from photographer Mike McKenzie |
We Had Their Number! Rochdale 40 (18-14) 38 Haven Sept 14 2003 Ref: I.Smith  Haven never gave up in this close fought struggle in the hot September sun at Spotland. First blood on the scoreboard was a penalty for Haven after a high tackle on Jacko. But then a defensive error let that man Bowker streak through. But Broadbent soon had a swift riposte to give the visitors the lead at 6-8. John Lebbon goes from strength to strength and showed lots of pacy flourishes.but the Hornet's Nanyn then touched down and then Jon Roper added another. But Haven would not collapse and Leroy Joe squeezed on in through a mass of Rochdale bodies. Kirkbride converted to leave it 18-14 at half-time. After the break Rochdale again scored from Ian Waters, but Haven bounced back thanks to Steve Woods, converted by Kirkbride. Paul Southern embarrassed the Haven defences by running clear through the ranks. At 30-20 it looked as if the game was slipping away especially when Marlon Billy ran the entire length of the pitch to pile on the point.But battling Haven came back thank to Sice. Carl Sice was very effective coming off the bench scoring a try himself, and setting up good attacking moves. Maybe, if he started the game we might have won? Aaraon Lester then showed Haven had more stamina and the score line was a tense 34-32. Haven now had the Hornets on the back foot as the home side desperately tried to hang on to their advantage. First larder scored making it 40-32 with the pen. Before Leroy Joe drove back to bring Haven within a whisker of victory.. Rochdale directors were visibly relieved to hear the hooter ...
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