It was all smiles in the Steel City at the weekend as both of Sheffield’s top teams secured victories to boost their National League ambitions.

National Two North leaders Sheffield extended their advantage with a 36-26 victory over hosts Rossendale, while Sheffield Tigers beat Scunthorpe 25-21.

However, Leeds Tykes suffered a 31-19 defeat at home against Bishop’s Stortford in National One, their first loss in five matches.

Bishop’s Stortford led 19-0 at half-time as the Yorkshire side struggled to get into a rhythm, but they finally broke through with Lucas Walsh scoring on 53 minutes. Another followed from Ed Crossland who also converted, as he did in the 67th minute following Will Yates’ try. However, it wasn’t enough to challenge for the win.

Christian Hooper scored another hat-trick of tries as Sheffield RUFC maintained their promotion push.

placeholder image — Christian Hooper scored another hat-trick of tries as Sheffield RUFC maintained their promotion push.

A hat-trick of tries from Christian Hooper helped Sheffield beat Rossendale and open up an eight-point gap at the top of the table.

Hooper’s first score came after 15 minutes, and they led 19-12 at half-time following further tries from Will Archer and Felix Crapper, with Callum Posa converting two. Rossendale pulled level at 19-19, but Sheffield were soon back in front with Hooper adding another try.

Rhodri Campbell added another five minutes later, then the final score for Sheffield went to Hooper again, his third being converted by Posa again.

Tigers roar to victory

Sheffield Tigers’ Miles Dodsworth ran in after 13 minutes against Scunthorpe before William Baker kicked a penalty and converted a try from Jamie Broadley.

Tigers extended their lead to 20-0 with Rhys Williams scoring, but Scunthorpe cut the gap to 20-14 with two converted tries.

Max Woolgar-Norton added a final try for Tigers, although Scunthorpe secured a losing bonus point with a late try.

Heath’s title hopes suffered a dent as they lost out 27-21 at rivals Alnwick in Regional One North East – their first league defeat of the season.

A hat-trick of tries from Jake Haynes helped Heath into a narrow half-time lead with Chris Johnson kicking two penalties.

However, second-placed Alnwick hit back to take the win and narrow the gap at the top of the table to nine points.

Elsewhere third-placed Harrogate were in free-scoring mode at home against York, winning 63-5.

Jack Mallinson kicked all nine conversions for Harrogate, with Tom Steene, Amrit Sharma and Charlie Head all scoring two tries each. Others came from Ben Richardson and Oliver Rossillo, while York’s only try was scored by William Fordy.

Ilkley maintained fourth spot with a 39-22 victory over hosts Driffield, while Sandal lost out 59-31 at Blaydon and Cleckheaton were beaten 56-12 at home by Kendal.

Scarborough were made to work hard for their 29-27 victory over hosts Wetherby, but just did enough to take the win and maintain top spot in Regional Two North East.

Second-placed Pocklington also won on the road, beating hosts Pontefact 22-12, while elsewhere Malton and Norton beat Morley 34-19, Selby were 61-14 winners at Doncaster Phoenix, and Bradford Salem won 30-20 against Old Crossleyans.

In Counties One Yorkshire leaders Wath on Dearne came away from Yarnbury with a 40-24 win, while Dinnington remain level on points with Wath following their 68-8 win over Hullensians.

Keighley enjoyed a good 36-12 win at Beverley, while Goole beat Harrogate Pythons 38-26.