OLD Otliensians made the trip to South Yorkshire to take on league leaders Rotherham Phoenix on Saturday, and it was a well contested fixture.

Unfortunately for the visitors, they fell just short and ended up losing the contest 26-17, but Ensians’ have a lot to be pleased about.

Phoenix started with an assault on the visitor's line and after three minutes scored an unconverted try in the corner.

Ensians’ resisted an onslaught of Rotherham attacks; however, they were to be broken down once again on minute 30. Phoenix won a penalty and from the ensuing line out used their heavier forwards to drive over a converted try, and to take the hosts into half-time with a 12-0 lead.

The visitors upped the ante at the start of the second half and six minutes after the break, Jake Bentley scored a try converted by Will Cooper. The pressure continued and after 12 minutes a great run by Matthew Ryan took play deep into the home 22.

The Rotherham defence was in tatters and the ball was played across the Ensians’ backs for coach Daz Greenwood, who was lurking on the wing to storm over for an unconverted try- bringing the scores level at 12-12.

Rotherham came back and from an attack near the visitors' line, played the ball to their winger to score a converted try out wide.

Play was pretty well equal for some time until the home team were awarded a penalty which was kicked to touch, and the heavier home forwards trundled over for another converted try.

Not to be outdone, with ten minutes to go Will Cooper kicked a "free ball" into the clouds and caught it himself. When tackled the ball was quickly recycled to Olly Eaves who made a half break enabling Jay Walsh to power through the Rotherham defence to score a super but unconverted try.

Defences were on top for the rest of the game, resulting in a 26-17 victory for the hosts.