By Stefan
January 11 2006

THE weekly delve into the record books for games played in previous years in early January sees home encounters against Bedford, Bath and Saracens and Rotherham on the road at Wakefield, Morley and Gateshead.

One year ago
The Titans entertained Bedford at Clifton Lane for the re-arranged National One fixture. In a dramatic game Rotherham lost 26-24 to Bedford. The first match of the New Year was as dramatic, thrilling and incredible as any seen at Clifton Lane.  Roth, trailing 9-3 at the break, were dead and buried after a catastrophic start to the second half in which they conceded 14 points. Bedford led 23-3 well into the game until an astonishing fightback in the closing stages in which Peter Jorgensen and Jannie Bornman scored tries adding to a penalty try - all converted by Ramirio Pez in his final game in Roth colours - actually handed the home side a 24-23 lead. The drama was far from over, and just when it seemed that Roth might have achieved a terrific victory, another mistake shattered hopes when a penalty handed Bedford the game.

Two years ago
Bath, along with the World Cup, travelled to Millmoor. The crowd of 6,895 was the largest Rotherham had ever attracted, but - alas for the home side - the result went against them as Bath escaped in the final minutes, scoring two tries from attacks that started deep in their own half. Those tries gave the score a distorted look after the Titans had dominated the final quarter through the terrier-like determination of Ireland scrum-half Guy Easterby and a powerful back row that threatened to turn the match around. The result was 34-18 to the visitors, the Titans scores coming from Geriant Lewis and Brad MacLeod-Henderson who both crossed the whitewash and Jon Benson who added two penalties and a conversion.

Five years ago
Rotherham recorded one of their most famous wins at Clifton Lane. Premiership side Saracens fell prey the a Roth side who played out of their skins. The return from injury of centre Doug Trivella ignited the team. He was outstanding in his premiership debut and generated a sparkle and made a real impact on the game. Andy Northey also played out of his skin, his memorable charge following up a deep Binns kick into the 22 trapped Saracens’ defenders and caused panic as he clattered into them. Tries from Simon Binns and Peter Massey with three penalties from Mike Umaga made up Roth's scoring in the 19-8 win.

Seven years ago
Rotherham made the trip to local rivals Wakefield having handed out a rugby lesson to Worcester in the previous game before Christmas. They returned home with all the spoils; a 40-13 victory in which they scored six tries. Two for Matt Walker and one each for Greg Austin, Dave Scully, Ben Wade and Mike Schmid. Jake Niarchos booted two penalties and two conversions.

Ten years ago
Rotherham were playing in National Three (now called National Two) along will local rivals Harrogate, Otley and Morley. This week saw them make the trip to Morley and pull off a 11-10 win. As it turned out, this victory was vital as it placed them 4 points ahead of Morley in the final league standings and ensured their promotion to National Two ahead of Morley, Harrogate and Otley. Roth, Morley and Harrogate have never crossed paths since. Rotherham's try was scored by Craig West - who still packs his turn of pace - and two penalties were landed by Kevin Plant.

Eighteen years ago
Rotherham and Gateshead Fell - playing in North East 1, in the first season of league rugby - were involved in what must have been one of the dullest games of rugby ever seen. (That is except for the normally dull games played out every week in the Welsh leagues.) The final result was 3-0 to Rotherham and my guess is that Roth's travelling hordes must have thought it was hardy worth the effort of organising the bus. Kevin Plant converted a penalty to break the deadlock!