Play-off dreams over as Rochdale win in Neath

The Scorpions saw their Championship One play-offs hopes fade away after a 13-6 defeat at the hands of Rochdale Hornets. Rhodri Lloyd’s try, converted by Lewis Reece, was the Scorpions’ only score of the afternoon – with a late drop-goal from the visitors the only point of a mediocre second-half!

Mark Rowley’s Scorpions will be in Championship One again next season after Sunday’s defeat against Rochdale ensured that the club will not make the play-offs.

Two converted tries in three minutes from Steve McDermott and Wayne English put the Hornets in control, before Lloyd’s try on the stroke of half-time and Reece’s conversion cut the deficit to only six points.

It was Lloyd’s first try for the Scorpions and came courtesy of some excellent build-up play. Casey Bromilow was just short of scoring himself after a dangerous run, before Andrew Gay set-up scorer Lloyd.

There was, however, to be no second-half fightback. Dale Bloomfield’s drop-goal in the closing moments of the game ensured Rochdale sealed the win and denied the hosts a bonus point. It was the only point of a lacklustre second-half.

Neath’s Scorpions will now only be playing for pride in their remaining league fixtures - and a battle with London Skolars for eighth place in the table is about all that is left to play for.

Full Time – South Wales Scorpions 6-13 Rochdale Hornets