SHEFFIELD 27 ROSSENDALE 23

Rossendale missed a chance to move into fourth place in National Three North losing 27-23 away to Sheffield, an interception try in the 49th minute ultimately the difference between the two sides.

Rossendale took the early lead with a penalty from Lewis Allen but tries from Alex Fawdry and Rupert Broadley with Joe Cridley slotting one conversion afforded the home side a 12-3 lead.

Rossendale hit back with a try from Paddy Pole, picking up at the back of a ruck to stroll over almost unopposed, Allen on hand with the conversion.

Former Rossendale player Danny Rylance brought up a third for the home side, Cridley adding the conversion before Allen closed the half with a penalty for 19-13.

Although the visitors were looking the more lively after the break it was the interception which left them 11 points down.
They did however come back strongly with a try from Sam Atiola, a quick tapped penalty and swift hands creating the space on the outside. Allen brought up the third, up in support of some great handling after Rossendale had turned the ball over deep in their own half to make it a one point game. Unfortunately with just a minute remaining it was the home side who were to have the final word with a penalty from Cridley.

Geoff Lightfoot