ROSSENDALE 31 SHEFFIELD TIGERS 26

This was a much closer game than the score would suggest with two tries and a penalty putting the Tigers back into contention just two points adrift after trailing 28-13 with a final penalty from Steve Nutt needed to seal the win.
Sheffield were the first to score with a try from Sam Packard. A penalty from Nutt got the Rossendale response underway but with Tigers having the better of the exchanges at this stage a try from Pete Swatkins increased the visitors advantage. However two further penalties from Nutt closed the gap although the Yorkshire side pulled ahead again with a penalty from Tom Outram.
From the restart Rossendale drove up field and with defenders sucked in Anthony Bingham found space out wide to go over for a try to give the home side the lead for the first time.
It was a lead they were never to lose as Nutt crossed for the second after Sheffield had set up a counter attack from a loose Rossendale kick out of defence only for the outside half to nip in, take the interception and score close to the posts before adding the conversion.
Bingham went in for his second after good counter-rucking from Danny Collins and Tom Albinson, the winger collecting a delightful floating box kick from Jamie Albinson, Nutt on hand with the extras.
As Rossendale took their foot off the pedal the visitors hit back with two tries and a penalty to close the gap to just two points before Nutt's final penalty.

Geoff Lightfoot