Bradford & Bingley 10 Rossendale 27

There can be no doubting that the better side won this game.

Although the Bees were equal in defence to their league-leading visitors for large periods, they rarely threatened the Rossendale line.

The visitors were lucky with two of their three scores, but they were camped in Bees territory for most of the game and their winning margin was a fair reflection of their dominance. Rossendale were in front within a minute of the start as Steve Nutt slotted over a penalty.

On ten minutes their lead was ten points. The ball was worked into space out on the right and then shipped back inside as the home side simply ran out of defenders.

The Bees were next on the scoresheet as Nick Wainwright landed a penalty on the quarter-hour.

Rossendale benefited from their first bit of outrageous fortune, although they might say it was top-quality play as Nutt threw a wild pass behind his back.

It could have landed in the River Aire but somehow found the only Rossendale player out on the right wing, who jogged in unopposed.

The conversion from Nutt was the final score of the half as the sides turned round at 17-3 to the leaders.

It was evenly-balanced for the first 20 minutes of the second period until Rossen-dale again benefited from some good fortune.

Richard Tafa charged down a kick near the posts, only to see the ball go straight to Nutt, who was able to slip a pass away to scrum half Jamie Albinson and he trotted in for the five points.

The Bees responded well and, within five minutes, scored their only try of the day. Adam Malthouse was last man up as the forwards rumbled over the Rossen-dale line.

Rossendale had the last word with the final score of the day as Nutt notched another penalty.

The Bees can take some consolation that they are the only side this season to deny their visitors a bonus point. But until the Wagon Lane men find an attacking edge, it is going to be a long and hard season for Henry Paul’s men.