Colts off to a bright start
Rotherham Colts got their Yorkshire Senior Colts Division 2 campaign off to a flying start with an impressive 19-0 victory away to Middlesbrough.
Match report by Callum Tongue.
Rotherham headed to Teesside for their first league game of the season against fellow plate finalists and 'Cock o'the North' Champions in Middlesbrough. When travelling with a bare 16, things were expected to be tough and it was felt that it was a nothing to lose game.
Roth kicked off downhill and did well to re-gather the ball, after some good initial phase play in the Boro' half the pressure was beginning to tell. After turnover ball at a line out, Rotherham played it through the hands and continued to make good ground. From a break at a ruck Callum Tongue offloaded the ball to second row Danny Howells who had an easy run in near to the posts, making that 2 in 2 games for the former Sheffielder. Luke Powell added the extras in windy conditions.
For the rest of the half things continued in the same fashion with Boro' causing Roth few problems, but for the odd break by their standout player (Stefan Dezou). Despite Rotherham's dominance they weren't clinical enough with the chances they had, meaning the score at half time remained 7-0 in Rotherham's favour.
With Middlesbrough’s strong runners coming down the slope it was expected to be a tough lead to hold, but all credit to Rotherham's defence which was outstanding once again. With Rotherham continuing to dominate play and the hosts beginning to look tired and scrappy in defence, debutante Tom Hendo took advantage of some sloppy tackling with strength not consistent with his stature, practically carrying half of Boro's forwards over the line with him; 12-0, difficult conversion missed.
After receiving the kick off Rotherham made a great break into the Boro half led by hooker, Jean-Luc Perkins and showed how the game should be played in the loose. After fast hands from the backs an overlap was created for Tom Hendo to run in near to the posts for his second of the game, conversion added this time by Callum Tongue. 19-0 and bonus point in sight.
Unfortunately from then on Boro's defence found another level and instead of running away with the game Rotherham were held out and left unable to gain the bonus point. All in all it was a very impressive performance against a very good team. Good signs moving forward for sure.
