ROSSENDALE have clinched their first back-to-back victories of the season as they continue to climb away from the relegation trap door.

And it was a double sweet victory for Dale as they avenged a 55-0 defeat earlier in the season.

The Marl Pits side trailed 6-0 at half time but hit back when Andrew John powered over from close range to score with Stephen Connor - who hit the bar from fully 40 yards in the first half - adding the extras.

With 20 minutes to go, the Saints regained the lead with another penalty but Dale showed they are made of sterner stuff at the present and the jubilant Paul Woodward crossed for what turned out to be the winning try.

Forwards Coach, Mick Barnes, said: "This was a monumental effort in the face of a truly huge opposition pack. We kept the pressure on and gave them nothing."

Dale travel to second-placed Wigton on Saturday.