NEW BRIGHTON got off to a poor start in this North Two West clash and were never able to fully recover.
It was a third successive defeat for the Blues, who were again missing key players. They battled bravely throughout against a Rossendale side working hard for a play-off spot but in the end they paid for their own mistakes.
Scrum-half Stirrup landed an early penalty for the visitors and steady pressure brought them an 11th-minute try via Rich Horrocks.
Another Stirrup penalty made it 11-3 but right on half-time Brighton were back in it with a try from Ryan McKibbin after a lucky bounce from a kick.
Rossendale enjoyed a lot of territorial advantage in the second period but were thwarted by some determined home defending and had to settle for a brace of penalties from Stirrup.
Ikuna Manuofetoa was excellent in the home pack and Lario Tuliva had his moments from full-back.
