Rossendale travelled to Sheffield but were unable to overcome the hosts’ dominance, falling 45–10 in a tough encounter.

Sheffield opened the scoring early after capitalising on a penalty and a well-executed move in the backs, touching down in the corner. With the conversion added, the home side led 7–0.

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Moments later, Sheffield extended their advantage when their winger collected a loose ball inside their own half, sprinting clear to score under the posts. The successful conversion made it 14–0.

Rossendale responded strongly. Following a crunching tackle from Johnny Leota, Daniel Holland’s kick through the defence created chaos, and persistence saw the visitors dive over beneath the posts. With the conversion added, the score narrowed to 14–7.

Momentum began to shift, and Rossendale were awarded a penalty after Sheffield infringed at the breakdown. Lucas Atherton slotted the kick to reduce the deficit further to 14–10.

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However, just before the interval, Rossendale failed to secure the restart. After a series of scrums, Sheffield worked the ball wide and chipped ahead. A fumble from the visitors allowed the home winger to pounce, scoring Sheffield’s third try. The conversion was missed, giving Sheffield a 19–10 lead at half-time.

Sheffield came out firing after the break. Rossendale lost a lineout deep in their half, and Sheffield executed a catch-and-drive to claim the bonus point try. With the extras added, the lead stretched to 26–10.

Rossendale’s discipline was tested further when Callum Whelan was shown a yellow card for an alleged high tackle. Sheffield quickly took advantage, crossing from a 5-metre scrum to make it 31–10.

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The home side continued to dominate territory and possession, scoring again after a sweeping move to the left wing, with the conversion successful for a 37–10 advantage.

A final try came late in the game, as Sheffield’s relentless pressure forced another defensive lapse. The ball was spread wide for a score in the corner, converted to complete a 45–10 victory.

Full-Time: Sheffield 45 – 10 Rossendale

Sheffield fully deserved the win, showing clinical finishing and strong set-piece play. Rossendale, by contrast, were guilty of too many mistakes across the park – missed scrums, lost lineouts, and tackles slipping off at crucial moments.

Plenty of work lies ahead for Rossendale as they look to tighten up their discipline and accuracy in the weeks to come.

Report by Melissa Colman