National Division 1

Saturday 19th November

Earth Arena

2:00pm Kick off

Titans 25

Doncaster 19

v

Earth Titans: 15 Whitehead, 14 Holby, 13 Mitchell, 12, Blackett (Capt.), 11 Claasens, 10 WP Strauss, 9 Kirkwood (Bedford H/T), 1 Carey (Golding 56), 2 Hanna (Conroy 77), 3 Pienaar (Rawson 56), 4 Bornman, 5 McGowan, 6 Fourie , 7 Cochrane, 8 Donald.

Replacements: 16 Kirkwood, 17 Whitehead, 18 Brear, 19 Hanna, 20 Carey, 21 Pienaar 22 McGowan

Doncaster: 15. J Boden 14. Van Vuuren 13. Hunt 12. Cannon 11. Wood 10. Benson 9. Harrison 1. List 2. S Boden 3. Tau 4. Cook 5. Kenworthy 6. Earnshaw 7. Grainger 8. Montagu

Replacements: 16 Bunting 17 Plevey 18 Barretto 19 Peacey 20 Storey 21 Liley 22 Van Den Berg

 

MATCH REVIEW

Doncaster started very much the stronger and pretty much dominated the first twenty minutes. In that period Former Titan Jon Benson opened up a six point gap with two penalties, after Roth’s panicky defence were forced into infringements at the ruck.

Roth slowly began to settle but continued to make far too many errors, only a Scott Donald break gave a glimpse of Roth’s potential. Whitehead and Benson then exchanged penalties midway through to leave the hosts trailing 3-9.

On 32 minutes a good Rotherham break which involved Fourie, Donald and Mitchell culminated in Doncaster conceding a penalty and a 10 minute rest for their number 8 Dan Montagu, after his prevention of quick ball. Whitehead knocked over to reduce the arrears to three points.

Instead of Rotherham making the most of their numerical advantage, it was Doncaster who stepped it up again. Roth scrum half Michael Kirkwood threw a pass which was easily intercepted by Michael Wood, who galloped 40 metres to score under the sticks in front of the clubhouse. Benson converted to make it 16-6 to the visitors.

The 14 men of Doncaster continued to press and forced another penalty two minutes before the break. Once again Benson converted to give the visitors a well deserved half time lead of 19-6.

Whatever was said in the Rotherham dressing room at half time certainly had an impact. Rotherham started the second period full of purpose and intension and with regular first choice scrum half Joe Bedford on as a replacement for Michael Kirkwood.

Just four minutes in and after some excellent forward play, the ball was spun out to John Holtby. Holtby making his long-awaited debut crashed easily through the Doncaster defence to score and bring Roth right back into the contest. Mike Whitehead converted.

The Rotherham pack was now dominating their older and more experienced counterparts in all aspects of the game, particularly in the set scrum. This was demonstrated on the hour mark, when a series of scrums on the Doncaster line was repeatedly collapsed by the visitors.

Referee Roberts had no alternative and after several warnings to Doncaster, quite rightly awarded Rotherham a penalty try. Whitehead converted to give Roth the lead for the first time in the match at 20-19.

Just three minutes later and Doncaster had the opportunity to restore their advantage after Roth were penalized for handling in the ruck. Rob Liley on for Jon Benson missed the easy conversion and you sensed Doncaster’s chance had gone.

Eight minutes from time Donny full back Jon Bolden took too long to clear from his own 22 and Greg Mitchell was on hand to charge down. Mitchell reacted the quickest and collected the loose ball to score Roth’s third try of the match near the corner. Whitehead just missed with his conversion.

Roth pressed on for the bonus point, but resolute defending by Doncaster ensured the Roth effort was not going to be rewarded. Whitehead’s last kick of the match was an unsuccessful drop goal attempt which would have sent Doncaster home pointless.

Final Score: Rotherham Earth Titans 25-19 Doncaster

Again Rotherham’s performance was below the standard they have set themselves this season. But yet again when not at their best, they have come away with the points. It’s a sign of a good team that dig out victories when not playing at their best.

Another positive for Roth is the number of players that are gaining first team game time. Around 25 players so far have had significant exposure to this level of rugby. Most of who haven’t played at this level before.

And although this season is important, if the core of the squad can be retained and one or two more quality players added, then next season could prove to be very successful indeed!

Full post match comments to follow.

Coventry 26 – 18 London Welsh

Harlequins 50 – 6 Cornish Pirates

Exeter 47 – 10 Sedgley Park

Newbury 40 – 37 Nottingham

Otley 19 – 22 Pertemps Bees

Plymouth Albion 28 – 23 Bedford

Powergen National Trophy 6th Round

Moseley v Roth 26 November at Billesley Common.

kick off 7.30pm