Titans 39-24 Otley

Scott Donald
By Roth Admin
April 16 2006

Rotherham rounded off their home campaign with a spirited 39-24 victory over an abrasive Otley side. The victory takes Roth into 3rd spot in the league, although a Pirates win over Plymouth on Sunday will nudge Roth back into fourth spot.

Post match Head Coach Andre Bester said, “I’m pleased with the result, but disappointed that we lost concentration early in the second half, we gave them their tries.

 

“But my main concern now is next season, we’ve got some great players coming in and I believe we can win this division next season!”

 

“I would also like to pay tribute to Jim’s (Kilfoyle) contribution; not only for this season but for all the time he has served this club. I do believe that Jim still has a lot to offer and to contribute to the game.”

 

It was not only Jim Kilfoyle’s last outing at Clifton Lane, David Strettle, Jon Golding and Chris Hala’ufia pulled on the Roth shirt for the final time at the home of Roth rugby.

 

In a first half that Roth totally dominated, a try from Chris Hala’ufia and two from Scott Donald saw the host’s breeze into a comfortable lead. Mike Whitehead brought his kicking boots and demonstrated fine ability with three well taken conversions and a penalty.

 

As the game entered first half injury time, all Otley had to show for their endeavour was three points for a long range penalty. Indeed it wasn’t until injury time that the visitors breached the home 22. However in the fifth minute of stoppage time, hooker Mark Luffman crashed over after a catch and drive near the Roth line. Robin Kitching converted to bring the half to a close with Roth leading 24-10.

 

Just three minutes into the second half and influential scrum half Joe Bedford touched down in the corner after more good work from the Roth pack. Whitehead converted brilliantly again to increase the lead to 31-10.

 

However instead of Roth kicking on and putting a big score on their Yorkshire rivals, a lack of concentration allowed the visitors a lifeline. Two Otley tries within five minutes from Andy Brown and Mark Luffman – both converted by Robin Kitching – reduced the arrears to just 7 points.

 

The momentum of the game had swung the way of the visitors and an upset looked a possibility as the big and abrasive Otley pack started to dominate. However, on 64 minutes Mike Whitehead steadied the ship with a neatly taken penalty to create a 10 point gap.

 

As the game progressed Roth re-established control and tight head prop Adam Hopcroft, rounded off the game a minute from time with a storming run to crash over in the corner for an unconverted try. With that the referee blew and Roth thoroughly deserved their 39-24 victory.