National League: White Rose trio suffer defeat in only games to survive the weather

The 17-0 win over Tynedale in December was the last time the visitors tasted victory and they were up against it from the start against a Leicester side only three points above them in the table. In fact, the hosts almost scored as early as the first minute when they raced through from the kick off, only to be denied a try by a last-ditch tackle.

The Lions didn’t take long to get on the scoreboard, though, as their early pressure told with a converted try. Two penalties added to their advantage and they led 13-0 at the break, although Sandal had seen more of the ball in the second quarter.

After the interval the visitors spurned chances to kick at goal in order to chase a try but to no avail. The Lions’ defence was impenetrable and when they had the chance to attack they were clinical. Two further tries and a conversion in the second half put paid to any hopes of a Sandal comeback and left them to go back to the drawing board.

Huddersfield’s home game against Luctonians and Otley’s visit to Sedgley Park were called off.

Harrogate were outgunned and outplayed in the first half as they lost 23-10 to Stourbridge.

Willem Enslin’s control of the ball behind a retreating scrum was the highlight of a difficult first half for the visitors.

All this changed after the interval as Harrogate took control of the set-piece and combined with their talented backs to actually win the half.

Trailing 23-3 shortly after the interval, Harrogate’s forwards finally took control with powerful runs from the Brady brothers consistently breaking through the home defence.

Luke Edwards sprinted clear for a 30-metre try which was converted as ’Gate at least got a reward for their improved play.

Leaders Sheffield Tigers failed to score a try for the first time this season as they suffered their first league defeat since October, going down 10-9 at second-placed Wirral in the only National Three North match to go ahead.

Tigers, who beat Wirral 16-10 at Dore Moor early in the season, were leading 9-7 until the last five minutes when the home side were awarded a penalty.

In a tight game played in less than perfect conditions, Tigers dominated the scrums but Wirral defended well and took the lead with an early converted try before Tigers replied with three penalty goals by fly-half Mark Ireland.

It was Tigers’ first defeat since going down 28-24 at Firwood Waterloo in October. Their losing bonus puts them on 67 points, seven clear of Wirral who have a game in hand.