By Jason Harris (filed: 3/11/03)
November 3 2003

Saracens took four priceless points in the battle of the bottom two sides in the Zurich Premiership as they beat Rotherham Titans 25-12 at Millmoor. A second half Taine Randell try and 20 points from the boot of Andy Goode saw the Men in Black home in a dour, poorly officiated contest which did nothing to belie the positions in the table of the two sides or the lack of experience of referee Sean Davey.

The contrasting fortunes of the goal kickers Goode and his Rotherham counterpart Phil Jones proved to be the differnce not between the sides, but between Rotherham taking nothing and their first Zurich Premiership points of any kind this term.

Goode was faultless, kicking seven from seven attempts - six penalties and the conversion of Randell's try - while Jones missed with three of his seven attempts. A first half shot falling short, one sailing wide after the break and a third striking the left hand upright.

Rotherham had most of the territory and possession in the first half as Sarries struggled to win ball and not once did they threaten to break into the Titans 22, never mind score any tries. And go into the bread ahead 9-6 was a tribute to Goode who had banished the memories of poor kicking displays in his previous two games against Bath and Wasps.

The try, when it eventually came, was another long-range Sarries special. Goode took the ball inside his own 22 and shaped to kick, but he saw the midfield defence part in front of him and he ran the ball up to the Titans 22. Taine Randell was first in support and he crashed over for what turned out to be the match-winning score.

Saracens were fortunate that Rotherham failed to use their possession throughout. A better side would have punished Sarries' lack of competitiveness before the break, though the contributions of Titans no8 Geraint Lewis and fullback are worth commendation.

A win is a win, as they say, and the four points bagged take Saracens above Leicester in the table. Though it's a sign of the times that that particular statement would have been something to shout about a couple of years ago. Now, it has a very hollow ring to it.

Nevertheless, it's a step in the right direction in preparation for the visit of London Irish who are surprising some and delighting many with their good form this year.