Old Otliensians 14 Rotherham Phoenix 21

HAVING come away with a comfortable victory on a visit to the South Yorkshire side last October, the hosts were looking for the same result at home, particularly with the visitors still searching for their first win of the season.

As things turned out, Rotherham Phoenix made far better use of the elements and their spirit and determination carried them through.

With a strong gale and periodic hail showers at their backs, the visitors soon established themselves in the home half. Their pack had an edge and their impressive No 8 made a break and scored a good try which, with the extras, gave them a 7-0 lead.

This came after the hosts had started so well with winger Luke Cowdell beating the cover and heading for an open line. Sadly, he suffered a hamstring problem causing him to pull up three metres short of the line.

The visitors continued to use the elements to good effect and their forwards set up a second try with the conversion stretching their lead to 14-0 after 17 minutes.

The home side were trying to put some rugby together with half backs Rob Lofthouse and Kristian Keinhorst moving the ball wide, but sloppy passing meant that moves broke down allowing Rotherham to re-group.

With the strong wind in their favour after the break, the expectation was that the home side would quickly be on the scoreboard in the second half and centre Ollie Eaves made a good break to reduce the deficit to 14-7. Kristian Keinhorst added the conversion.

Things looked even brighter when winger Josh Howarth used his pace to carve his way through for a second try which Keinhorst converted to level the scores.

Rotherham responded with their forwards driving over for a converted try to regain the lead at 21-14. There was time remaining and replacement forwards John Offer and Paddy Phipps did their best to inject more spirit into the ‘Ensians attack. Conditions were tricky, but nevertheless the handling by the home side was very poor and, as passes were dropped or knocked on, the visitors gained in confidence and their determination enabled to hang on for a hard-fought victory.