Rovers travelled to Jarrovians for their final away fixture of the season and were involved in a breathless, high‑scoring contest. Despite leading for large periods of the match, Rovers once again left the field with on 2 bonus points, their inability to see out games proving costly.

It has been a recurring theme throughout the campaign. Too often this season Rovers have put themselves in strong positions, only to struggle in the final 20 minutes. Instead of kicking on and winning comfortably, they have either clung on desperately or surrendered hard‑earned leads. It is a worrying trend that will need addressing over the pre‑season if Rovers are to improve on this year’s campaign.

Rovers made the perfect start when Keers crossed for the opening try and converted it himself. Jarrovians responded soon after with a converted try of their own to level the scores at 7–7.

With stand‑off options limited, makeshift pivot Barnfield showed great composure, dummying his way over the line. Keers again added the extras to make it 7–14. However, defensive lapses allowed Jarrovians to run back at Rovers and score another converted try, bringing the sides level once more at 14–14.

Veteran Dring then crossed for Rovers, the try again converted, before Keers grabbed his second of the afternoon and maintained his 100 per cent conversion record. At 14–28, Rovers looked firmly in control.

But Jarrovians refused to go away and clawed their way back with another converted try to reduce the deficit to 21–28. Rovers responded well, a quick penalty taken catching the home side napping and allowing Ben Glaister‑Smith to score under the posts. Keers converted to extend the lead to 21–35.
Once again, though, Rovers were unable to shut the game down. Jarrovians struck back with an unconverted try, followed by another soon after, narrowing the gap to just 31–35.

The momentum then swung decisively. Jarrovians were awarded a penalty try when Harrison was judged to have deliberately knocked on with the home side certain to score. The conversion edged Jarrovians into the lead at 38–35.

Rovers showed great character to hit back immediately, Keers completing a fine individual performance with another try, which he converted himself. At 38–42, Rovers simply needed to see the game out.

However, in cruel fashion, the final blow was struck in the closing minutes when the Jarrovians full‑back went the length of the field to score under the posts. The conversion sealed the result at 45–42.

Rovers return home on Saturday for their final league game of the season, when they host North Shields, hoping to finish the campaign on a positive note.