A Delve into the Archives

By Stefan
October 27 2005

THE first of a regular feature in which we delve into the record books. What do Pertemps Bees, Bridgend, Coventry and Aspatria have in common? They all played Rotherham this week-end one, five, ten and fifteen years ago.

One year ago
Rotherham entertained Pertemps Bees eventually running out 30-12 winners in a convincing win at Clifton Lane. In this game Roth recorded their seventh straight win of the season. Tries were scored by Ant Elliott, Mike Wood and Dave Strettle with Ramiro Pez converting all three and adding three penalties.

Five years ago
Roth, in the Premiership, travelled to Bridgend for the second leg of the European Shield. Having beaten the Welsh team at Clifton Lane 16-9 the previous week-end, hopes were high that they could progress to the quarter finals. However Rotherham's performance was almost as bad as the weather, many of the supporters who had travelled in torrential rain would have said it was far worse. Hapless Rotherham, punch drunk at the Brewery Field, lost 61-8. Ben Wade scoring Roth's only try and Mike Umaga a penalty.

Ten years ago
Rotherham lost out to Coventry 15-12 at Coundon Road. Roth were in the equivalent of National Division 2, called Division 3 those days, in what for them turned out to be a promotion year. Coventry eventually topped the league ahead of Richmond, Rugby and Rotherham; all promoted. Rotherham's points were all scored by Kevin Plant, two drop-goals and two penalties.

Fifteen years ago
Playing in North 1, Rotherham made the long trip to Aspatria. Easy to find, just drive North until you reach the extreme North Western tip of England, turn left and drive for a few more hours and you're there! All the effort wasn't worth while, Roth suffered one of their 3 'nils' in a 15-0 reverse. (Do you remember the other two?) Aspatria went on to win the league followed by Bradford & Bingley, then Rotherham. The only other defeats Roth suffered that season were against Widnes and Halifax!