Bellerby's return is insufficient for Boro

HIGH-flying Stockport secured a five-try victory, leaving Middlesbrough rueing missed chances.

Boro dominated periods but could not turn their advantage into points. Stockport capitalised on their mistakes, but were lucky to secure a five-point victory in the face of some good tackling.

Boro centre Rob Bellerby secured the man-of-the-match award on his return from injury and winger Callum Campbell kicked a penalty as they made a good start. The home side hit back with a converted try and took a lead they would not lose.

The hosts went in 12-3 ahead at the break but Boro hit back five minutes into the second half with a try from winger Campbell.

Boro hopes were dashed by two quick tries with 10 minutes remaining which made it a somewhat flattering scoreline.

West Hartlepool 13

Sheffield Tigers 0

TRAVEL delays did nothing to help Sheffield Tigers, who arrived late and were soon behind.

They arrived around an hour later than planned, and never really recovered after West Hartlepool's strong start which saw them retain a grip on the game throughout.

Full-back Scott Jordan touched down after five minutes to give the home side the lead and fly-half Paul Moss added the conversion.

Tigers missed a couple of penalties which would have put them back in touch, but they defended strongly and kept the hosts at bay.

However, Moss added a penalty on 20 minutes to make it 10-0 and there was no further score until the second half.

Another penalty from Moss five minutes into the second period concluded the scoring.