Ian Madigan inspires Bristol victory at Rotherham
BRISTOL’S Irish fly half, Ian Madigan, mastered the Arctic weather at Clifton Lane as he delivered an outstanding performance to maintain his team’s promotion momentum.
Madigan, defying blizzard-like conditions, produced a match winning display – four penalties and a conversion of Bristol’s second try by full back Luke Morahan which the former Ireland international created by cleverly kicking through for the Australian to touch down.
While Rotherham competed fiercely and defended for the most part effectively, their indiscipline was punished by Madigan who struck penalties on 1, 29, 70 and 73 minutes.
Considering that Bristol lost in a poor performance against Jersey in their previous Championship contest, this win in atrocious conditions delighted coach Pat Lam.
“I’m proud of the guys because rugby should not be played in those conditions. I was concerned about the players’ safety. They were times when you couldn’t see. But character wise, this was one of our best performances this season.
“The referee said it was safe so we had to play and the boys did a tremendous job. This was a great response following the Jersey defeat.
“In the second half, the forwards gained valuable yards and controlled the ball, and as regards Madigan and scrum-half Rhodri Williams, they both did an excellent job.
“Madigan and Williams are both internationals and you need experience in those conditions. Madigan is one of the top goal kickers in the world.”
With the snow creating havoc periodically, Rotherham paid a heavy price because after only four minutes, their pack smashed Bristol’s and drove through to score, but because of the snow, the markings couldn’t be seen and resulted in the Titans’ forwards putting the ball down out of play.
Bristol were relieved and led by only 6-0 at the break. Rotherham’s persistence in defence carried on, and in the 60th minute a penalty by fly-half
Caolan Ryan cut the gap to 11-3, but Bristol gradually gained control of ball and territory to finish the second half strongly.
Between 70 and 77 minutes, the Championship leaders scored 13 points to set up a win and Rotherham’s 17th league defeat.
However, the Titans’ fighting spirit, typified by forwards Toby Williams, Tom Calladine and Rob Louw, made certain that Bristol never had an easy ride in the snow.
Rotherham coach Nic Rouse said: “The pitch was fine, it wasn’t frozen. Some people at half time wanted it stopped, but the referee said it was OK. We put them under massive pressure in the first half and Bristol were nervous.
“Our forwards were impressive in the conditions, but Bristol have experienced players and they deserved to win. As to the try that we didn’t score, our scrum half shouted to put it down, but we didn’t.”
An encouraging aspect of Bristol’s play was the try scored by winger Ryan Edwards, making his first start in the Championship, since September.