Wharfedale boost survival hopes with key win over rivals Sheffield

Back row Josh Burridge celebrated his 100th league appearance for the hosts by opening the scoring with a try on 26 minutes, before Sheffield hit back with a penalty to make it 5-3 at the break. The visitors hit the front five minutes into the second half with a converted try, but hooker Dan Stockdale’s try levelled the scores at 10-10.

Two second-half penalties would prove to be the difference though with Wharfedale leapfrogging their opponents in the table.

Scrum-half Joe Rowntree starred for Otley in the day’s other Yorkshire derby, kicking 17 points in their 22-18 victory on the road at Huddersfield.

Rowntree kicked his first penalty and converted second row Brett Mitchell’s try early on.

Back row Nick Sharpe crossed for the hosts with Harry Davey adding the extras to cut the lead to three points, a margin that remained at the break after Davey and Rowntree traded penalties.

Ben Morrill’s try early in the second half put Huddersfield ahead, only for another successful kick from Rowntree put the visitors one point to the good at 16-15. Adam Blades then saw yellow for the hosts, Rowntree kicked two more penalties to secure the win.

Harrogate moved fourth in the North Premier league, surviving a late comeback to claim maximum points in a 30-23 victory over Birkenhead Park.

Both back rows Guy Coser and Martin Dodds scored tries for the hosts, stand-off Luke White adding eight points with the boot to put the hosts in control at 18-6. Further scores from winger Olli Rosillo and prop Harry Butler wrapped up the bonus point for Harrogate, who held on despite two late converted tries for the visitors.

In North One East, West Leeds were 43-17 winners in their Yorkshire derby clash with Cleckheaton.

Full-back Danny Booth scored two tries, while others came from centre Sam Neave, scrum-half Joe Bedford, prop Dwayne Smith and hooker Steve Anderson, with Dale Breakwell kicking five conversions and a penalty.