Rotherham take title but await call to big league

Rotherham claimed the National League One title for a second successive season with a comfortable 36-10 victory away to Orrell yesterday.

Under normal circumstances, the Yorkshire club would now be celebrating promotion to the Zurich Premiership. But that might not be confirmed until Anthony Arlidge QC publishes the report of his inquiry into Rotherham's controversial exclusion from this season's top flight.

On the pitch, Rotherham gave an efficient, workmanlike display while their Italian playmaker Ramiro Pez was unquestionably the man of the match. The 24-year-old fly-half landed three conversions, four penalties and a drop goal, and showed considerable tactical assurance throughout.

Rotherham's three tries were scored by their second row Dan Cook, hooker Chris Johnson and centre Mike Umaga while Orrell's points came via a Steve So'oialo try and a conversion and penalty from fly-half Phil Jones.

Rotherham currently have 115 points in National League One with just Saturday's home game with Coventry to come. Their nearest rivals Worcester, 17-6 winners against Birmingham/Solihull yesterday, are six points adrift, also with one match to play.