Kilshaw proud of Rochdale’s mental strength

Rochdale coach Alan Kilshaw felt that his team coped well in wet conditions to beat Featherstone Rovers at the weekend, demonstrating their mental strength as a group.

Hornets clinched a 10-9 victory in wet and wild conditions at the Big Fella’s Stadium on Sunday.

“We probably handled the conditions a little bit better,” Kilshaw said.

“Our lads deserve a wrap because they tried to play. Some days it might not come off, but they did try to play and we shipped the ball, made a break at the end, and got a penalty off the back of that.

“It was very, very pleasing, and I’m proud of the lads.”

Kilshaw felt that the conditions made fitness, mental strength and good defence key factors in the Hornets’ win.

“I thought we defended very well,” he said.

“These conditions don’t suit us. We’ve had one dry game all year, and we scored 46 points.

“Featherstone would have been the same as well. It stops that free-flowing attack.

“I thought the pitch held up pretty well.

“There was a concern that we might run out of juice, or out of bodies, but they’re a mentally tough group who have no fear.

“I think they showed that today.”