Rotherham recovered from a half-time deficit to record a 20-20 draw against an Ayr side featuring Scottish international John Beattie.All eyes were on new signing Matty James who clearly has the potential to produce a consistent creative spark at fly-half.The Titans established a 20-15 lead in the second-half with tries from Will Durandt (2) and Peter Swatkins. A penalty and solitary conversion from James completed Rotherham's scoring but Ayr's third try was the final scoring act as they left South Yorkshire with parity restored.


JOHNNIE Beattie took another stride towards a Scotland recall as he bagged a try in Ayr's brave British and Irish Cup draw in Yorkshire.

The Millbrae men should have done even better against a side with English Premiership aspirations but Grant Anderson's late penalty drifted off target.

Mattie James broke the deadlock for Rotherham with a penalty before Robbie Fergusson got Ayr's first touchdown. South African winger Will Durand went over for a touchdown to reclaim the lead for the hosts. Anderson slotted a penalty, then Beattie - aiming for a place in Scotland's Six Nations line-up - burst into the spotlight for a fine score after a lineout.

The conversion was slotted by Anderson, only for the see-saw action to continue with Durand completing his double. Then full-back Pete Swatkins pounced for a Rotherham try, with James adding the extras.

Anderson levelled with a try in the corner - but failed with the conversion and that crucial late penalty.

This article was originally posted on 22-Jan-2011, 21:20 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 23-Jan-2011, 07:52.