The game presented an opportunity for Roth to rotate the squad and give some of their first team players a rest. The players coming in took their opportunities well as the game turned into a hard fought battle, in which Roth had to dig deep to win.

Garforth dominated early in the first half which resulted in them scoring first. But Roth's newly found composure meant that they carried on playing their own, and in the second half Roth's fitness showed and a break from the excellent Anthony Crookes led to a try in the corner by the in form Jon Saddington.

However the amount of mistakes made by both teams meant that Roth couldn't really take control of the game. Then with minutes left, Roth turned down the opportunity to take three points and instead kicked for the corner.

This proved to be an inspired decision as from the resulting line out captain Mark Palethorpe crashed over in the corner. The try was converted by fly half Tom Jenkinson to cap off a good kicking display.

This game however has left team manager Dave Trueman with some things to mull over after some strong performances. There’s cover for every position and the competition for places has increased and hopefully so will the level of rugby.

Rotherham Phoenix 17 - 10 Leeds Garforth

Roth Scorers:

J Saddington (T), Mark Palethorpe (T), T Jenkinson (2C1P).

Rotherham Phoenix
15 Jon Saddington, 14 Anthony Crookes, 13 Andy Stewart, 12 Gareth Ashcroft , 11 Jon Ratcliffe, 10 Tom Jenkinson, 9 Mark Coultis, 1 Carl Banks, 2 Scott Crookes, 3 Pete Robinson, 4 Andy Ellis, 5 Luke Palethorpe, 6 Jordan Ransom, 7 Jonny White, 8 Mark Palethorpe (c)
 
Replacements: 16 Nick Warhurst, 17 Alex Worth, 18 James Mallinder.

* Next Saturday Rotherham Phoenix return to league action as they entertain Pontefract at home.