Roth returned to league action against Pontefract, a team directly above them, confident of continuing their recent unbeaten run, but ultimately ran out of steam. A closely fought game where neither team excelled in attack was ultimately decided by a second half interception try by Pontefract, until then a first half penalty was the only score in this narrow contest.

Roth controlled much of the game with the whole team contributing to an impressive defensive display against a much older and bigger side; however this was negated by consistent errors whenever the try line beckoned. Knock on’s, silly penalties and forward passes all helped contribute to a frustrating offensive display.

Final Score: Rotherham Phoenix 0-10 Pontefract Pythons

Rotherham:

15 N Warhurst, 14  J Mallender, 13 J Ross, 12 S Duke, 11 M Coultis, 10 T Jenkinson, 9 A Wirth, 8 R Westran, 7 A Yates, 6 B Hastie, 5 A Ellis, 4 M Palethorpe (Capt), 3 S Houghton, 2 S Crookes, 1 P Robinson.

Replacements:

16 J Ransom, 17 L Palethorpe.

Next game – Rawmarsh @ home on Clifton Lane in the league, kick off 2.15pm on Saturday 3rd February.