Sheffield still on top

Nat 2 North

Rossendale…………26 Sheffield………………36

■ By HARVEY ALLEN

HAT-TRICK hero Christian Hooper helped his Sheffield side extend their invincible status over bottom-side Rossendale.

Hooper opened the scoring after 15 minutes but John Leota replied instantly for the Lancashire side, landing Rossendale’s first blow of the day.

But William Archer scored for Sheffield, with Felix Crapper following suit six minutes later, and Elliot Fisher’s conversion gave the table toppers some breathing room.

However, George Stephens scored one for the hosts heading into half-time, with Finlay Rogers’s conversion leaving them within seven points.

Rossendale started the second half how they ended the first: Jack Lightbown’s try tying up the scores, and looking as if an upset was on the cards.

However, Hooper got his second to put his side ahead again once more, and earn the bonus point. Rhodri Campbell pushed out the lead even further just five minutes later.

Hooper completed his treble in the 65th minute to effectively end the contest, with Fisher slotting his second conversion of the day.

Saba Asatiani’s last minute try earnt the home side a bonus point, but it wasn’t enough as Sheffield kept their 100 per cent record.