AFTER two away wins on the bounce, Rossendale suffered a 24-5 defeat at home to league leaders Sheffield Tigers despite a spirited performance.

The home side, who are now sixth in National League Three North, did not have the ideal start as Danny Collins was forced to withdraw before the kick-off and Paddy Pole moved into number eight necessitating a shift around in resources.

The Tigers opened with a try from Will Bennett after the visitors had stolen a ball from a Rossendale line-out. Mark Ireland slotted the conversion before a kick and chase brought a try for Liam Wallace to put the Yorkshire side 12-0 ahead.

However just before the break a penalty to touch by Steve Nutt and a catch and drive brought just reward with a try for Jordan Lord.

Although Rossendale defended valiantly throughout the second half and managed to hold out to the 77th minute two tries for the Tigers came from Wallace and Pete Swatkins which were converted by Ireland who sealed the win for the visitors.

Cleckheaton will be the next visitors at Marl Pits on Saturday who are struggling down in 11th place and have only won one away fixture all season which came two weeks ago against bottom-of-the-table Burnage.