Ross helps Leeds subdue neighbours

Rotherham 20 Leeds 34

Leeds won a scrappy, low-key affair at Millmoor last night, doing just enough to subdue their hapless, South Yorkshire neighbours, who stumbled to their 19th successive Premiership defeat. It was not that Leeds were so obviously superior, but they capitalised on the chances they created to earn a bonus point, while they were indebted to Gordon Ross, who scored two tries in a personal tally of 24 points.

Leeds won a scrappy, low-key affair at Millmoor last night, doing just enough to subdue their hapless, South Yorkshire neighbours, who stumbled to their 19th successive Premiership defeat. It was not that Leeds were so obviously superior, but they capitalised on the chances they created to earn a bonus point, while they were indebted to Gordon Ross, who scored two tries in a personal tally of 24 points.

The problems for Rotherham have worsened this week with the speculation concerning the future of their coach, Steph Nel. A decision on whether the South African will keep his job will be made early next week.

Leeds, not without their fair share of problems this season, began well enough, Ross banged over a couple of penalties, before there were two separate bouts of fighting. The Rotherham tight-head prop, Colin Noon, was yellow-carded for felling Gary Powell, and though Rotherham were a man down Corniel van Zyl latched on to Brad MacLeod-Henderson's pass for an unexpected try.

While the game was never dirty, Mike Umaga and Colm Rigney were next in the sin-bin after some prolonged handbagging. Ross had already breached the home cover for a try, which he also converted. With both sides reduced to 14, Diego Albanese strolled through for Leeds' second try.

Two penalties by Phil Jones, one each side of the interval, gave Rotherham hope, but tries by Rob Rawlinson, and a second for Ross both converted by the Scotland outside-half, left Rotherham with too much to do, although Blues Volschenk did grab a consolation try.

Rotherham: B Stortoni; A Elliott, J Pritchard, M Umaga, M Wood; P Jones, G Easterby; R Olckers, A Long, C Noon, L Gross, C van Zyl, D Tuavi, B MacLeod-Henderson, G Lewis. Substitutes used: C Harrison, L Blackett, J Benson, N Lloyd, C Johnson, B Volschenk, N Spence

Leeds: M Cardey; D Rees, T Davies, A Snyman, D Albanese; G Ross, A Dickens; G Powell, R Rawlinson, G Kerr, P Murphy, T Palmer (capt), M Salter, J Ponton, C Rigney. Substitutes used: D Hodge, M Regan, M Holt, S Morgan, A Popham

Referee: R Maybank (Orpington, Kent).