National Division 1

4th November 2006

Brickfields Recreational Ground

Kick Off 2.15pm

Plymouth 14

Titans 11

V

Earth Titans: 15 Mike Whitehead (Claassens 76), 14 Brian Tuohy, 13 Brendan Burke, 12 Bernard Hennessey, 11 Tom Allen, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Joe Bedford, 1 Sam Walsh, 2 Hendre Fourie, 3 Adam Hopcroft, 4 Louie McGowan, 5 Erik Lund (Head 63), 6 Barry Jacobsz (Hanna 54), 7 Neil Cochrane (Capt) (McComish 75), 8 Jannie Bornman

Replacements: 16 Steve Croall, 17 Mike McComish, 18 Neil Hanna, 19 Henry Head, 20 Geoff Griffiths, 21 Errie Claassens, 22 Jamie Blackwood.

Plymouth Albion: 15 Neethling, 14 Lewsey, 13 van Eyk, 12 Fisilau, 11 Sestaret, 10 Barnes, 9 Cane, 1 Rice, 2 Oxley, 3 Zimmerman, 4 Stewart, 5 Gulliver, 6 Genoud, 7 Thomas (capt), 8 Hayes.

Replacements: 16 T. Arscott, 17 Fabian, 18 Cruikshanks, 19 Mathias, 20 Owen, 21 Stroud, 22 Lowrie.

The game had started brightly for the visitors with good early work from Brendan Burke and Tom Allen down the left flank. However it was Albion who scored first.

On 9 minutes Rotherham failed to deal with an Albion drive infield and when the ball was spun out to Nicolas Sestaret, his 35 yard arcing run culminated with him touching down in the corner for an unconverted try. Some of the Titans tackling on Sestaret left a lot to be desired.

The game was developing into a tight, nervy affair and both sides probed with their kicking. Unfortunately for Roth, theirs was found to be wanting on several occasions.

However Plymouth conceded two quick penalties around the 20 minute mark which saw Gareth Steenson convert superbly from long range to nudge Roth ahead 6-5.

As the first half wore on the momentum went the way of Albion and Roth had to defend well to keep them out. Skipper Neil Cochrane on several occasions did well, pinching Albion ball in crucial positions.

Seven minutes before the break another penalty was awarded to Plymouth by referee Beddow. Up stepped Albion full back Wihan Neethling to nudged the hosts ahead again.

The first half was drawing to a close with Roth pressing in Albion’s 22 when the hosts cleared with a booming kick downfield. Inexplicably Roth’s Bernard Hennessey tried to keep the ball in play and proceeded to knock on. From the resulting scrum Roth were pinged by the referee for an infringement.

Albion pointed to the posts and once again Neethling stepped up to neatly convert from 30 metres and bring the half to a close.

A very good opening second half spell saw Roth bounce straight back into the game. Mike Whitehead collected a difficult high ball inside his own 22 and proceeded to race pass two Albion defenders.

Whitehead then found the impressive Burke who made further yards when cutting inside the Albion half. Burke found Bornman on his shoulder who in turn found support from Adam Hopcroft. Finally Hopcroft threw a pass to Hennessey who showed good strength to crash over 10 metres from touch for a fine team try. Surprisingly Steenson hit the left upright with his conversion attempt to leave the score at eleven apiece.

From the restart Rotherham conceded a penalty and Albion restored their lead through Neethling’s straightforward attempt.

The next 20 minutes of play saw Plymouth pretty much dominate proceedings and Roth had to defend extremely well to keep the hosts out. On the hour mark Albion’s Regardt Van Eyk just missed a drop goal attempt from in front of the posts on Roth’s 22.

Then in the 65^th minute Gareth Steenson was yellow carded for killing the ball in a ruck. Shockingly for Albion, Neethling missed the penalty from in front of the posts.

Going down to 14 men seem to inspire the Titans and they slowly crept back into the game, showing a real passion and desire that had not been as evident earlier in the game.

On 69 minutes with the Roth pack driving deep into the Albion 22, the hosts number seven Danny Thomas deliberately pulled down the maul. Unfortunately for Roth the referee didn’t spot that and Albion escaped.

On 72 minutes a jubilant Roth thought they’d scored a try down the left flank through the in-form Tom Allen. However to many peoples surprise, referee Beddow deemed Brendan Burkes pass to Tom Allen as being a forward one. Another let off for Albion.

Two minutes later and a breathtaking run by Roth replacement Errie Claassens almost culminated in a sensational try. Credit to Albion’s last line of defence though, as Neethling made the crucial tackle just in time.

Eight minutes of injury time was played and Roth spent the vast majority of that time in the Plymouth 22. With the last play of the game which must have lasted over three minutes, Roth set up a series of pick and drives and edged ever closer to the Albion line.

Finally Hendre Fourie collected and drove over the line; the Roth players around him jumped skywards in celebration of their victory try. However this turned out to be a little premature as referee Beddow declared the ball had not been grounded.

With that the referee blew for full time and it was Plymouth Albion’s players turn to jumped skywards in relief and celebration of a hard fought victory.

Final Score: Plymouth Albion 14-11 Rotherham

Rotherham were naturally very disappointed after the game, but although not at their best (and some credit goes to Albion for that) they must now surely realise they have the capability to beat any team in this division, home and away.

Next up is a home fixture against the rugged Cornish Pirates. If Roth are to continue to lead the pack, then quite simply it’s a game they must to win.

Coventry 29-24 Newbury

Exeter 34-16 Moseley

Otley 21-31 Bedford

Pertemps Bees 13-39 Doncaster

Sedgley Park 27-20 London Welsh

Waterloo 15-77 Leeds

Playing Sunday

Nottingham v Cornish Pirates

National Division 1

Roth v Cornish Pirates 11 November at the Earth Arena
.

kick off 2.00pm