Classy Victoria swoop to beat Hawks in style

The win saw Birstall move to within a point of Sheffield and new leaders Farnley Falcons, while they have a game in hand.

Strong running centre Jonni Parrish returned to the team and got the home side off to a flying start, receiving a perfectly time pass from scrum-half Brendan Sheridan to touch down after 10 minutes and Birstall never looked back.

Further first half tries followed on 25 and 30 minutes, with prop Matthew Smith and stand-off Will Copley supporting to collect passes from the impressive Sheridan.

Full-back Mick Dyson converting all three tries as the Vic raced into an 18-0 half-time lead.

A period of stalemate followed early in the second half but Sheffield gave themselves a glimmer of hope when centre Tom Dickson scored a 55th minute try which stand-off James Proctor converted.

Birstall were in no mood to let the Hawks back into the game and second row Anthony Cox scored his first try on 70 minutes.

Sheridan then gathered his own clever chip to cross soon after and the scoring was complete two minutes from full-time when Cox crashed over from short range to grab his second of the game.

Dyson added a further three second half conversions to complete the impressive win.

Man-of-the-match went to Jonni Parrish, with his power and strength carrying the ball superb.

Hooker John Stainburn was second in the MoM standings, with prop Richard Duffy taking third after topping the tackle count.

Birstall Victoria travel to Garforth Tigers on Saturday (ko 2.30pm) looking to maintain the pressure on the front runners against a side who have won two and lost three.

Sheffield Hillsborough host Dearne Valley Bulldogs and Farnley visit Stanningley A.