Rotherham see off the Chiefs
April 20, 2002

National League Division 1 champions Rotherham completed a silverware double with a 35-26 victory over Exeter in the Powergen Shield Final.

The Premiership-bound Yorkshiremen battled back from 10 points down at the interval, then saw centre Stephen Ward ghost in to put Exeter back in front seven minutes from time.

But Italian fly-half Ramiro Pez slotted home a penalty, then added a touchline conversion to Jon Shepherd's injury-time touchdown to give Rotherham victory.

Pez finished with 16 points and the man of the match award, a bizarre acclamation as he was only introduced as a replacement for Link Wilfley five minutes into the second half.

It was tough luck on Exeter who were the superior side for the first hour, and in particular Matt Oliver, who grabbed the try of the match shortly before half-time.

Collecting Peter Massey's wayward pass, Oliver scampered past three would-be tacklers, then blasted a kick downfield into open space.

With only the ageing legs of Eric Peters to beat, Oliver hacked on, then beat the former Scottish skipper in the race to the line.

Fly-half Chris Malone converted, then landed a penalty and when the interval whistle blew, Exeter looked like causing a shock.

But the introduction of Pez gave Rotherham the edge they had been lacking. His accurate boot gradually ate away at the Exeter lead and after Pez had charged down Ian Sanders' clearance kick, the Yorkshiremen recycled possession and Charlie Harrison danced home.

Ward's response was instant but Rotherham had enough in reserve to bounce straight back.

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