Sat 28 Sep 2019, 14:00
The Rotherham pitch is narrow which leads to a direct game - which the home side often does well. However we had won last year, so were hopeful of a good result.
Rotherham opened the scoring in the second minute - but they could not add the extras. After a few exchanges, we were able to camp in their 22 and win a scrum. From which Fin Creighton was able to dive over. Ben Penfold added the extras to give us the lead.
Six minutes later the same combination stretched our lead to 5-14. However, immediately from the kick-off Rotherham were able to score their second 12-14.
More pressure from the hosts saw them camped in our 22 and Ciaran Moore was shown yellow. This gave them a penalty to take the lead again 15-14. From the kick-off we attacked but an interception in their own 22 led to a breakaway try. While we were down to 14 Rotherham had opportunities, but the Red line held and we went in 22-14 down, but back to 15 men.
The first ten minutes of the second half were played out in the midfield until Rotherham gave away a penalty 40 metres out. Ben went for goal, but missed. Five minutes later we had another penalty, but again the result was the same.
Defence dominated the second half and it was into the last minutes we won a third penalty chance and this time the kick was successful - bringing us back within a score.
If we could claim the kick-off we may have a chance. However, Rotherham kept hold of the ball and ran down the clock out so that was the final score - 22-17 to the hosts.
We have to head home knowing we dominated the second half, had chances, but once more have to settle for the losing bonus point.
This means we drop to 14th though only a point behind Old Elthamians our next opponents in 8th.
Final Score
Rotherham 22 - 17 Cambridge
Scorers
Tries: Creighton (2)
Conversions: Penfold (2)
Penalty: Penfold
