Bees stung by Sandal as Tigers earn boost

The home side took the lead through a Greg Wood penalty, only to then fall behind to a pushover try from the Bees’ scrum-half Grant Litt.

However, the hosts had the lead at half-time when, after being camped on the line and going through the phases, flanker Tom Hirst was able to find a chink of light to dart through, Wood converting to make it 10-5.

It could have been more for Sandal before half-time but a pushover try was disallowed.

Ten minutes into the second half Wood extended the advantage with a penalty before the high-flying visitors started to come back into it. With 20 minutes remaining they moved back within five points through a Gavin Stead penalty and from that moment they piled on the pressure. Wave after wave of attack was directed at the Sandal line but some inspirational tackling and outstanding defence saw the home side hold on.

SHEFFIELD Tigers’ promotion hopes received a boost on Saturday when they beat Luton at Dore Moor.

Previously just one point behind Tigers, Luton had no answer to Tigers’ creative play, and the South Yorkshire side could yet challenge for promotion if they win all their games in hand.

Full-back Jon Feeley touched down on 25 minutes after a lineout win was carried on and he then raced in from 40 yards out, stand-off Jonny West adding the conversion.

Flanker Frank Wragg was credited with a pushover try on 33 minutes as Tigers led 12-0 at the break.

West kicked a penalty a minute after the restart and, although the visitors hit back with a converted try from Dan Blinkhorn, a second penalty from West extended Tigers’ lead to 18-7, and No 8 Andy Barnes scored the final try on 55 minutes, West adding the extras.

A great team move appeared to have given the Tigers a fourth try and the bonus point – until the final pass was dropped, and the chance went begging.