GARY THORNTON: WE SHOWED MENTAL TOUGHNESS IN MIDLANDS WIN

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton was full of praise for the way his side found a way over the line to win their Betfred League 1 opener at Midlands Hurricanes on Sunday.

Having raced into an early 16-0 lead, the Hornets were forced to dig deep as a resurgent Midlands outfit fought back to make it 22-22. 

A try shortly after the hour mark from Duane Straugheir put the Hornets back in front, before Jonny Openshaw scored the second of his two tries on debut to stretch the advantage.

Joe Hartley got in on the act not long after, and not even a late try from the home side could deny the Hornets a first league victory of the season. 

Discussing the performance of his side, Thornton said: “We have been focusing our pre-season preparations on a good start to the League 1 campaign, so it was really important to come away with a win on Sunday,” he said.

“Midlands have recruited well this year and it’s a tough place to go, so we knew we had to be good on the day to beat them.

“We started the game really well and scored some decent tries on the back of solid defence. We knew Midlands would have a purple patch as they are a well organised, determined and well-drilled team, and they never go away. 

“When they pegged us back to 22-22 the game was in the balance, and losing Riddy [Martyn Ridyard] to a calf injury, we needed to show some real mental toughness, resilience and character to go on and win the game. 

“It’s always a boost to confidence getting a win on day one, but we must back it up in the weeks to come if we are to achieve our potential.”

The Hornets will now prepare to return home on Sunday as Hunslet visit the Crown Oil Arena. The two sides will put their unbeaten starts on the line, with Sunday’s visitors winning 48-12 at home to Newcastle Thunder in Round 1. 

Supporters can enjoy 10% off tickets for that game and the four home games which follow using the code “DOUBLEDALE” at checkout.