Sedgley Park went clear at the top of National Two North after a 26-3 triumph at Sheffield Tigers.

Steve Hazzelby’s side made it 16 consecutive wins this season in the rearranged clash to maintain their perfect record and with closest rivals Fylde losing by a single point at Otley, they are now a point clear at the summit.

It was a hard-fought away win in the Steel City which Hazzelby praised post match.

He said: “They have had a mixed season lying just below mid table but had recorded a number of good wins especially at home.

“They had beaten an improved Preston Grasshoppers the week before and we knew this would be a difficult game.

“We were looking to build on the previous week’s resounding victory against Blaydon and hopefully maintain the unbeaten run and we did that.

“It was a solid performance from the whole squad and shows the spirit and drive that is needed if we are to gain promotion at the end of the season.

“We knew in the second half we did not need to change the way we were playing but had to improve our discipline, be patient and the scores would come as Sheffield had hardly broken their line in the first half.”

Sedgley started the game well, playing controlled rugby in the right areas of the field and creating a number of excellent scoring opportunities.

But they were unable to finish them due to inaccuracy in their handling. They also gave away a number of silly penalties which enabled the home team to clear their lines and gain territory and possession.

Despite this, the visiting defence was solid with line speed good, winning most of the collisions.

But it was not until the 39th minute that they scored their first try. A lineout catch-and-drive by the forwards was pulled down by Sheffield and Sedgley were awarded a penalty try to be 7-0 up at the interval.

Their second score came in the 47th minute with a well-worked try for flanker Connor James after great inter-play between backs and forwards in the Sheffield 22.

Steve Collins added the conversion and they were now 14-0 up and testing the home team at every opportunity, moving the ball wide left and right and making great ground.

The third score came 15 minutes later when replacement flanker Tane Bentley took a short ball off Collins to brilliantly break the line and touch down, beating three defenders, and extend the lead to 19-0.

Sheffield did manage to get a penalty to get them on the scoreboard but they were unable to break down the Tigers’’ defences.

And the league leaders’ fourth and bonus-point try arrived shortly after for man-of-the-match number eight Tom Ailes, after tremendous phases deep within the hosts’ 22. Collins added the conversion to keep the unbeaten run intact.

On Saturday, Sedgley are at home to Chester in another rearranged fixture.

Hazzelby said: “We beat them narrowly at their ground back in September so we are taking nothing for granted and know that another big performance is needed from the boys.

“Please come down to Park Lane and support your wonderful Tigers team.”