By Stefan
November 17 2005

THE weekly look at the records books for games played in previous years on the coming week-end sees Rotherham on the road at Worcester and Moseley with home game against Worcester, Harrogate and Wharfedale.

Three years ago
Worcester made the trip to Millmoor for a memorable clash of the big boys in National One. It was a cracking result and a top-rate performance, both re-establishing Roth's credentials as a premiership side. The multi-millionaire's outfit from the West Midlands came to steal their crown, they actually managed to look good in the first half - but only in their own half - but they soon discovered that life at the top is not that easy. Roth's forwards put in one of their finest ever displays and once they established a stranglehold on the game, squeezed the life out of Worcester the final score being 38-13. Tries were scored by Joe Ewens (whatever happened to him?), Chris Johnson, Mike Schmid and Nick Lloyd with Jon Benson adding four penalties and three conversions.

Four years ago
Once again Worcester, but this time in the cup and at Sixways. Another cracking performance saw Roth brush Wuss aside 26-19 in what turned out to be the quarter final of the Powergen Shield, which they went on to win that year. What made this game significant was that the victory, by three tries to one, was the perfect morale booster considering that Worcester won narrowly in the September league clash. Bearing in mind the January return league fixture, this cup win unsettled Worcester mentally. Michael bagged a pair of tries, Howard Parr scored one and Ramiro Rez landed three penalties and a conversion.

Six years ago
Moseley were defeated by Rotherham at the Reddings 30-15 in the league, then known as Allied Dunbar Premiership Two. Dean Lax scored two tries, Terry Garnett one, the Referee gave Rotherham a penalty try and Mike Umaga also chipped with a try of his own, a penalty and a conversion. Rotherham finished top of the league that year scoring a massive 1,045 points on the way. They finished ahead of Leeds Tykes, Worcester and Exeter Chiefs eventually getting past Bedford in the play-offs and claim their rightful place in the premiership.

Thirteen years ago
Rotherham were playing in National 4 North, now called National 3 North. Harrogate came top of the league that year and Rotherham were runners-up, both on the same number of points but Harrogate gained promotion because of a superior points difference. The game thirteen years was probably the deciding match of the campaign. Visiting Harrogate were able to hold out Rotherham in a 6-6 draw. Steve Worrall recorded two penalties and Rotherham's relentless march through the league was held up by one year.

Sixteen years ago
Back in the year of 1989/1990, Rotherham playing in North 2 had a visit from Wharfedale. It was a promotion year for Rotherham who beat their visitors 21-18. Scorers were Grant Treece and Paul Scott who both returned a try and Kevin Plant landed a penalty. Rotherham won every game that season until the very last fixture when they lost to Huddersfield 18-10 in their first ever Clifton Lane league defeat.