Huddersfield RU conceded a late try as Rossendale stole the points in an epic top of the table clash in National III North.
Trailing by six with five minutes to play, Rossendale finally found a way through a resilient Field defence that had frustrated them for so long to clinch a 14-13 victory.
Manager Lee Paxman said: “I’m proud of the lads for putting in a great performance and I feel sorry for them as they deserved more.”
Huddersfield did have their chances to win the game through penalties, but were unable to hang on to their first-half lead.
Paxman added: “Our forwards dominated the game, especially the scrum and the penalty count was a little silly.
“Nick Sharpe put in a captain’s performance and deserved his Man of the Match reward but that was little consolation after such a tight loss.”
In a pulsating first half of rugby, it was Field that went ahead through an early Tom Hodson penalty.
The home side dominated the opening 20 minutes, but it was Rossendale that soon came into their own. Playing a fast-flowing passing game, the Lancastrians took the lead, scoring through prop Leyton Taylor.
But Huddersfield quickly responded through George Hunt when, from the kick-off they went straight on the offensive. Turning over the ball, Field camped themselves inside the opposing 22.
Stretching the visiting defence, Field were able to find Hunt, who scored his first senior try.
It was converted by Hodson, who also added a penalty before half-time, and Field looked a resolute side as they ended the half in a promising position. In a much slower second half, Field continued to assert their authority. Stronger in the scrum, Rossendale were unable to deal with the Huddersfield pack.
With the ball in hand however, Rossendale asked plenty of questions of the Field defence.
But Field were able to hold the ball up on the goal line on several occasions, frustrating a sharp Rossendale back line.
But for all their attractive rugby, Rossendale were finally rewarded with a not-so-glamorous try.
Following a scrum deep in Huddersfield territory, Jamie Albinson was able to dart through a gap in the defence to score.
As Stephen Nutt converted to lead by just one, Field had one final push, but were unable to send their biggest crowd of the season home happy, despite arguably their best performance.
Paxman said: “This will be a tight division at the top, we aim to be there and if we keep performing like we did, with a little more luck, we will be right up there.”
On Saturday Huddersfield travel away to Sandal as they look to get back on track, and keep some pressure on still-unbeaten Rossendale.
Huddersfield YMCA lie third in the North I East table following an impressive 12-7 win over promotion-chasing Cleckheaton at Laund Hill.
Full report in tomorrow’s Examiner.
Sunday’s Aviva Premiership results: London Wasps 22 Leicester 12; Newcastle Falcons 13 London Irish 11.
