Huddersfield secured a crucial victory in convincing style as they swept aside Rossendale 21-13 as the push for promotion continues.

After last week’s defeat to leaders Stockport, a reshuffled and reinvigorated Huddersfield side controlled the game and the conditions to win.

Head coach Gareth Lewis said: “We’re delighted to be back to winning ways, there’s that feel good factor with the players.

“I thought our forwards and controlled the game well and the backs looked very sharp.

Three tries was enough for Field as they held their discipline, while the host’s saw prop Leyton Taylor sent off, as the game was taken away from the former league leaders.

Playing downhill but against the wind first-half, Field went ahead through Tom Owen. After winning the lineout, Field piled forward and Tom Hodson picked out Owen to open the scoring.

Despite Rossendale kicking their way back into contention with two penalties before half-time, it was Field that led at the break leading by one and had also a single man advantage, as Taylor picked up his first yellow card.

Playing with the wind second half, Field continued to assert their authority as their dominant pack forced a penalty try to further increase their lead.

The war of the roses was then sealed by Hodson, who started a move that involved centre Ben Mitchell. As the two combined, showing good hands, Hodson side-stepped the Stags full-back to score under the posts.

As the Field continued to upset a normally dynamic Rossendale back line, it was Taylor that was the most frustrated. Having already been warned about his conduct, as he retreated to get back onside, he deliberately clattered in Field’s Ben Hoyle, meaning a red card was imminent.

But the Stags did manage to score before the end, as Danny Rylance crossed over in what was really a consolation try.

In what was a changed Field side, it was one that looked united and full of confidence and control, with and without possession.

Lewis said: “Tom got back into the groove straightaway, he looked comfortable, he looked confident in that position. TVR brings a physical edge, nothing came down his channel, he carried the ball really well so he stepped up and did a really good job.

But much of their victory came through keeping the penalty count to a minimum and not letting the occasion of a big game to get to them.

Lewis said: “We knew they had a couple of players who are prone to ill-discipline. We did a good job, the boys kept their cool, when really they could have reacted.

A deserved victory for Field now leaves them two points behind leaders Stockport, but with two games in hand.

Coach Lewis said: “Every game is important now, six games to go and that’s just one ticked off the list. So, job done today.”

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