Rotherham Phoenix 29, Aireborough 20

,/b> Rotherm Phoenix moved into second place in SSE Yorkshire Division Three with this win on Saturday, and Aireborough were left wondering what they need to do to stop matches falling from their grasp.

Aire started well and put the home side under pressure but their defence held firm .

An interception by full back Ollie Catherall caused some confusion in the Phoenix defence and a Chris Wray penalty gave Aire an early lead.

Phoenix then applied the pressure, and both sets of forwards fought to gain the ascendancy.

The visitors scored from a rolling maul in the 23rd minute and, not for the first time this season, Aire's inability to deal with this aspect of play was exposed.

A further Wray penalty near the end of the half gave Aire a slender 6-5 lead at half-time and the hope of securing a victory.

The second half started at pace, and Aire spent some time in the Phoenix half but were unable to break the defence.

A penalty gave Phoenix a line-out on the Aire line and every one of the travelling Aire faithful knew a rolling maul would ensue. It did, and once again Aire failed to get enough bodies behind the ball.

A further Phoenix try in the 70th minute extended their lead to 22-6.

A well-taken kick-through try by winger Stephen Nolson, converted by Wray, reduced the deficit and with both sides reasonably matched and trying to play open rugby. a further Phoenix try ensued.

Aire, still attacking thanks to an excellent break by back-rower James Greenwood, produced the final try of the match by Matthew Osborn.

Aire must learn their lessons from this game to return to winning ways at home to neighbours Burley at Nunroyd Park on Saturday.