Weekend Review – Jack Bergmanas double sees Rotherham Titans dominate as Hull Ionians edge out rivals Otley

Two tries from hooker Jack Bergmanas helped Rotherham Titans notch up a 29-5 victory over National One strugglers Caldy at Clifton Lane.
Callum Irvine was among the try-scorers for Rotherham Titans against Caldy. Picture Tony Johnson.Callum Irvine was among the try-scorers for Rotherham Titans against Caldy. Picture Tony Johnson.
Callum Irvine was among the try-scorers for Rotherham Titans against Caldy. Picture Tony Johnson.

The versatile Doncaster-born front row crashed over twice in a ten minute spell mid-way through the first half to help catapult the Titans into a 17-0 lead shortly before half time.

Scrum-half Alex Dolly kicked a penalty after 15 minutes, and then converted both of Bergmanas’s tries.

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Caldy opened their account with a try from Lewis Barker on 40 minutes, but the Titans were not to be derailed and extended their lead nine minutes later when stand-off Callum Irvine touched down, Dolly converting.

Replacement Alistair Thomson added a late fourth try to secure the bonus point.

Huddersfield boosted their promotion hopes with an emphatic 91-24 demolition of strugglers South Leicester in National Two (North).

Stand-off Chris Johnson turned in an impressive performance, kicking all 13 conversions and touching down twice.

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Elsewhere, right winger Kian Stewart scored four tries, centre Lewis Workman and flanker Lewis Bradley scored two each and others came from full-back Thomas Hodson, Francis Entressengle and Joseph Green.

Leaders Hull Ionians continued their good form with a 29-24 victory over Otley.

But the hosts had the better of the opening exchanges, with hooker Joe Graham, full-back Ben Magee and winger Josh Hall all scoring tries as Otley raced into a 17-0 lead inside 15 minutes.

However, Ionians hit back with Steve Slingsby scoring twice, and Lewis Minikin kicking a conversion and penalty to make it 17-15.

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Replacement Ben Bell touched down shortly before the break, Minikin converting, and he was also on target following Ben Stephenson’s 45th-minute try.

Otley added a late try through Joe Rowntree.

A strong defensive performance helped Wharfedale get back to winning ways with a 22-20 win at Sheffield Tigers.

Rian Hamilton’s 70-metre run gave Wharfedale the lead, and Jack Blakeney-Edwards added a penalty shortly after.

Mark Ireland kicked a penalty for Tigers, but Phil Woodhead nipped through a gap to score under the posts for the visitors, Blakeney-Edwards’ conversion putting Wharfedale 15-3 ahead.

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Henri Packard added a try for Tigers shortly after, but James Tyson was awarded the try after a catch and drive with Blakeney-Edwards’ conversion putting Wharfedale 22-8 in front.

A kind bounce of the ball enabled Jamie Broadley to run in for a score for Tigers, and a late converted try from Robbie Davidson ensured Tigers would get a losing bonus point – but the win eluded them.

Harrogate boosted their promotion hopes in the North Premier league with a 21-17 win over champions Hull.

Currently fourth, the victory leaves Harrogate one point behind second spot and a chance of promotion through the play-offs.

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Elsewhere, Sandal were 17-7 winners, while Ilkley secured a good 21-16 victory at Lymm.

Morley’s title ambitions received a big boost when they beat rivals Scarborough 49-41.

Huddersfield YMCA are still in with a slim chance of promotion, although their hopes received a knock in a 26-21 loss at Driffield.