Norland Sharks 16 Doncaster Toll Bar 28: Toll Bar stay second after hard fought win

Ian Tattersall’s men got off to a flying start when stand-off Shaun Roberts went over for an unconverted try after just five minutes.

The home side hit back to lead 6-4 and the game remained very tight as both sets of forwards tried to take control.

A brace of converted tries by Dean and Shaun Roberts secured Toll Bar a 16-6 lead, but Norland continued to show their battling qualities and cut the interval deficit to just six points with a second try.

It was a similar story in the second half with both sides working hard. Toll Bar just had the edge, however, and they gradually ground Norland down and when Shaun Roberts crossed for his hat trick try the Doncaster side looked to be home and dry.

But another try from Norland set up a tense finish and coach Tattersall couldn’t afford to relax until Dean Roberts scored a second try late on.

“It was a very tough match and took a real team effort to get the win,” said Tattersall.

“I thought we were the better side and certainly deserved to win, but credit to Norland they made it difficult for us.”

He added: “Shaun Roberts was excellent for us and came up with a few special plays. I also thought forwards Alex Palmer and Owen Wedgwood did really well. We play Norland at home on Saturday and we are expecting another tough game.”