A-team: Earth Titans 26-0 Bradford & Bingley

A-TEAM IN ACTION
By Stefan
January 30 2006

THE TITANS A-team cruised to a four-try victory against Bradford & Bingley in a NCA North fixture at Clifton Lane.

Their demolition job on the basement side was complete inside the 20-minute mark. Going 19-0 up after a lightening start, the A-team took their foot off the gas and cruised to a convincing 26-0 victory.

The home side raced into the lead with a try from speedy fullback Gareth Brear on 7 minutes. Brear did his usual party trick, picking up the ball in space in his own half he ran full distance - too quick for the cover - and scored his seventh A-team try of the season. On kicking duty for the day, he converted his own try.

The Titans did not have long to wait for their second, they were awarded a penalty close to the Bradford and Bingley line when quick thinking scrumhalf Alex Drage took a tap penalty. Diving for the line, the visiting defence could not get to him in time to stop Roth's second try on 13 minutes.

Five minutes later scrumhalf Drage was in scoring action again, this time setting up the Titans' third try. His pass released winger Gareth Morley in space who duty obliged with a try crashing over the whitewash near the corner.

The score remained the same, 19-0, at the break and, indeed, was not added to until the last minute of the game.

Gareth Morley, having switched from the wing to inside centre, stormed over the try line for his second score of the day after some strong running to record Titans' fourth try of the afternoon. His effort was converted by Brear making the final score 26-0.

The home side - depleted by injuries, first team duty and county call-ups - gave A-team debuts to six players.

Gillan Carruthers - a new signing from Ireland - and Tom Allen - on his way back from a long term injury - both put in solid performances. In addition four forwards from the Academy were drafted in - Adam Bennett, Andrew Robinson, Mick Bailey and Will Crossley - all making their debuts in Rotherham colours.

Earth Titans:
15 Gareth Brear (Charlie Spon-Smith); 14 Gareth Morley (Dave Bolton), Gillan Carruthers (Tom Bullough), Will Kirtley (Gareth Morley), Peter Lewis (Gareth Brear); Tom Allen, Alex Drage; Jon McMillan (Craig West), Jamie Kilbane (Jon McMillan), Sam Walsh, Adam Bennett (Nick Barrett), Andrew Robinson, Greg Burnham, Nick Barrett (Mick Bailey), Tristan Laga (Will Crossley).

Titans Scorers:
Gareth Brear (T3C), Gareth Morley (2T), Alex Drage (T).