Yorkshire Division Three: Rotherham Phoenix 14 Baildon 26

BAILDON kept their season alive with this bonus-point win at Rotherham Phoenix, thereby relegating the hosts.

The Jenny Laners also climbed out of the second relegation berth as Bramley Phoenix lost at Leeds Medics & Dentists.

However, Baildon could still go down if Bramley Phoenix win their game in hand at Aireborough on Saturday, or even draw and score four or more tries.

Meanwhile, Baildon are also clinging to the hope that Bramley Phoenix, who have already been deducted 35 league points, have yet more disciplinary points taken off.

The visitors had the mindset of playing fluent rugby but used the kick-and-chase routine to force an attacking line-out, a training-ground move then giving centre JJ O'Connell the chance to put full back Matty Robinson over untouched for a try that her former converted.

"That's how you play rugby" murmured approving new Baildon coach Andy Pollard, and a minute later Jamie Vening shot through a gap before offloading for O'Connell to score and convert for 14-0.

Turnover ball brought the visitors their third try, O'Connell again doing the damage before prop Lewis Morgan showed his paces before putting Robinson over in the corner.

Phoenix replied with a converted try as Baildon were guilty of tackling too high, and they then allowed a home player through on the blind-side for another converted try as Rotherham closed to within five points at 19-14 by half-time.

However, Baildon began the second half brightly, winger Nathan King not quite being able to collect a try-scoring pass but after more good work by Phil Wilson, O'Connell and Robinson, the side-stepping Vening got their bonus-point try.

The visitors then brought on their replacements, with Rhys Holland, Dale Tabiner, Tom Peel, Harrison Strauss and Nick Lister all making an impact in attack, although defences were dominant in the last 20 minutes.

Now Baildon are relying on their long-time derby neighbours Aireborough to do them a favour at Nunroyd Park.