The game was competitive in spells but the National Two North champions put down a marker ahead of their return to National One.
Leeds scored in the first half through scrum-| half Ewan Laughton but trailed 14-7 due to winger Cuchulain Livingstone and scrum-half JB Bruzulier touching down.
Rotherham added further scores in the second period through skipper Zak Poole, new signings Ronnie Du Randt and Travis Gideon, and Jamie Cooke, who returned after more than two years out from a leg break.
Last season's National One runners-up Rams came from behind four times before eventually snatching a thrilling 35-28 victory in a cracker at Welsh Premiership side Aberavon.
Steff Gibson crossed for the hosts but Rams replied swiftly through debutant Joe Pannese. Aberavon went back in front with Gibson grabbing his second but Rams equalised through Ollie Cole.
James Clegg continued the Aberavon scoring but Ollie Moyle finished and then Ed Hoadley touched down before Harry Stone finished an enthralling contest.
National Two West champions Dings Crusaders saw off Bargoed's second team in a 34-19 triumph at Shaftesbury Park as Tongan winger Solomon Taufa touched down for a first-half hattrick. Further tries came from Ollie Smith, Gethin and Ezra O'Callaghan Craven despite a second-half fightback from the Welsh side.
Bournville began their countdown to the new National Two West season with a hard-earned 26-19 victory over Bromsgrove in a fast, furious and entertaining encounter.
This story is from the August 18, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 18, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
