Rotherham take title but await call to big league

Paul Trow
Sunday 20 April 2003 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rotherham claimed the National League One title for a second successive season with a comfortable 36-10 victory away to Orrell yesterday.

Under normal circumstances, the Yorkshire club would now be celebrating promotion to the Zurich Premiership. But that might not be confirmed until Anthony Arlidge QC publishes the report of his inquiry into Rotherham's controversial exclusion from this season's top flight.

On the pitch, Rotherham gave an efficient, workmanlike display while their Italian playmaker Ramiro Pez was unquestionably the man of the match. The 24-year-old fly-half landed three conversions, four penalties and a drop goal, and showed considerable tactical assurance throughout.

Rotherham's three tries were scored by their second row Dan Cook, hooker Chris Johnson and centre Mike Umaga while Orrell's points came via a Steve So'oialo try and a conversion and penalty from fly-half Phil Jones.

Rotherham currently have 115 points in National League One with just Saturday's home game with Coventry to come. Their nearest rivals Worcester, 17-6 winners against Birmingham/Solihull yesterday, are six points adrift, also with one match to play.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in