WIRRAL opened their league season with a bonus point win against a hard-tackling Rossendale side.

As early as the third minute, Wirral lost winger Adam Sheldon through injury before captain, Craig Harvey jinked his way over for the first try, converted by James Annetts.

The lead was short lived as Rossendale came back through their forwards for Leighton Taylor to score, quickly followed by winger George Peel squeezing in at the corner to give the away side a 7-10 lead after 20 minutes.

Wirral Globe:

Action from Wirral's match against Rossendale. Picture: Mike Gibbens

For the remainder of the half, Wirral were in control as discipline let Rossendale down as firstly Annetts equalised with a penalty before the pressure from the Wirral forwards allowed Rob Pearl to touch down for the first of his two tries.

With Rossendale down to 13 men for a short period of the game an excellent try by James Reeve, the first at this level enabled Wirral with two further Annett conversions a 24-10 lead at half time.

Despite playing against the breeze in the early part of the second half, it was the away side which had the territorial advantage and good passing in the backs allowed Nathan Connolly to cross in the corner to reduce the arrears.

Thereafter it was Wirral in control as two further tries from Dan Harvey and Rob Pearl, both converted along with a penalty from James Annetts extended the Wirral lead to 41-15.

Rossendale to their credit continued to play their brand of rugby and were rewarded with a try in the 79th minute by Ryan McKibbon, which left Wirral as comfortable winners.

The final twist to the game was that Wirral’s kicker, James Annetts broke his thumb in virtually the last play of the game.

This was a solid performance by Wirral pending the Merseyside derby at Waterloo next week.