Season 1991/92

The performances of Paul Newlove and his selection for GB tour.

When Deryck Fox put a drop goal over to seal a 21-20 victory over Leeds in the last home game of the season fans left the ground believing this would ensure first division rugby next season.  However, a series of odd results and Rovers defeat at Wakefield meant 4 teams finished on 22 points and Rovers were relegated on points difference.  This was a devastating end to a season where luck just didn’t seem to go Rovers way with regard to injuries and refereeing decisions.  The sudden resignation of Peter Fox to take up a more lucrative offer at Bradford Northern which destabilised the team for a while, didn’t help either.  New coach Alan Agar did a decent job and Rovers finished the season in good form but it just wasn’t enough.  Defensive frailties evident the previous season were still present and in such a tight league this ultimately cost Rovers their first division status.

Paul Newlove was in international class form and topped the try scoring closely followed by his wing partner Owen Simpson.  He was selected for the Great Britain tour of Australia.  Deryck Fox also had a great year and was unlucky not be selected though he was later called up to cover for an injury.  Gary Rose, Tim Sharp and Ikram Butt were other stand outs.  Financially, Rovers were suffering from strict application of the new safety rules by Wakefield MDC and the Police which meant all ticket games and reduced attendances.