A hard-fought 24-19 victory over Blackheath helped Rotherham Titans retake top spot in the National One table, as rivals Rosslyn Park suffered a shock defeat at Clifton.

The Yorkshire side opened up a 24-12 half-time lead and then held on to take victory – although they missed out on a four-try bonus point.

Blackheath drew first blood, but the conversion was missed so when scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier touched down on 18 minutes and stand-off Lloyd Hayes converted the Titans were 7-5 ahead.

Hayes then slotted over a penalty, but Blackheath went in front briefly with a converted try on the half hour.

Leading the charge: Leeds Tykes captain Toby Williams takes the fight to Dings Crusaders at the Sycamores on Saturday.

placeholder image — Leading the charge: Leeds Tykes captain Toby Williams takes the fight to Dings Crusaders at the Sycamores on Saturday.

But winger Sinjin Broad’s 31st-minute try was converted by Hayes, and when the Titans were given a penalty try four minutes from half-time they looked determined to hold on to their advantage.

The visitors added one more converted try to secure a losing bonus point, but it wasn’t enough to stop Rotherham going top of the table.

Leeds Tykes bagged their third league win of the season, beating visitors Dings Crusaders 26-17 to ease further away from the drop zone. Hooker Max Thatcher crashed over after seven minutes to put Leeds in front, and left winger Seb Krippner’s 22nd-minute try was converted by full-back Seremaia Turagabeci to leave the Tykes 12-0 ahead.

Dings pulled level with two tries and a conversion to leave the match hanging in the balance at half-time.

Leeds Tykes Sebi Krippner sprints away to score a first-half try against Dings Crusaders (Picture: Tony Johnson)

Louis Guthrie got Tykes’ third try on 50 minutes which Turagabeci converted, as he did when sub Lucas Walsh crossed for a try four minutes later to secure a four-try bonus point. The Crusaders pulled back a late try, but it wasn’t enough.

Wharfedale ran in six tries on their way to a 44-21 victory on the road at Hull in National Two North.

The hosts took a 16-0 lead inside the first 23 minutes – but it proved to be a false dawn as Wharfedale soon found their rhythm.

Stand-off Reece Dean kicked a couple of early penalties for Hull, and there also followed tries from centre Thomas Minns and wing Tom Lineham. Just before half-time centre Brad Viner got Wharfedale off the mark.

Leeds Tykes v Dings Crusaders at The Sycamores, Bramhope, Leeds. (Picture: Tony Johnson)

After the break scrum-half Oliver Riddiough added a second, and full-back Archie Haddon converted, and following Rowan Tweedale’s try Riddiough kicked the extras to put Wharfedale 19-16 ahead.

Second row George Hedgley scored two tries and Harry Bullough’s added another as Wharfedale pulled away.

Sheffield remain top of the table despite their match with Scunthorpe being postponed.

A late penalty from stand-off Mark Ireland helped Sheffield Tigers clinch a narrow 27-26 win at Hull Ionians.

Full-back Will Baker scored for the visitors early on and Ireland converted, but the East Yorkshire side hit back with winger Westleigh Holden and centre Josh Britton both scoring tries, with Lineham adding a Hull consolation.

However, winger James Norman raced in on 20 minutes, and Ireland added the conversion as well as a penalty five minutes later to take a 17-14 lead.

Ionians hit back though, with George Mewburn crashing over twice before the break, Smith kicking one conversion for a 26-17 lead.

However, Baker’s second try and Ireland’s conversion narrowed the gap to 26-24, and Ireland’s 74th minute penalty proved decisive.

Elsewhere, Otley ran out 34-25 winners over Preston Grasshoppers with tries from Scott Irvine (2), Finnlan Warren-Lambert, Charlie Culf and Henry Acland.