The effect on Worcester Rugby Club of the most dramatic and possibly most far reaching four-and-a-half minutes of the season, was cataclysmic.

Stunned silence from their travelling fans greeted the stoppage time try which virtually finished their chance of promotion for another year.

It was small consolation to know they had played a major role in the most dramatic and epic struggle seen at Coventry's famous Coundon Road ground for many a long year.

Victory was all that mattered, especially as last season's promotion bid had foundered at the very same place.

Director of rugby Les Cusworth was visibly shaken. Understandably, perhaps, he cast around for a reason and his ire fell on referee Roy Maybank.

"A tight game like that was bound to be affected by the referee's decisions," he said. "He was awarding penalties to both sides. We gave too many away, but the referee's interpretation of the laws was such that he tended to kill us at the tackle area.

"This result is a major dent in our season, but there is still a lot to play for."

But the feeling among the Worcester supporters was that Rotherham are now too far ahead to be caught. When the Yorkshire side's massive 78-10 victory over Waterloo was announced at the end it was greeted by an awed silence and perhaps an air of resignation.

A crucial factor was full back Steve Gough's seven penalties for Coventry from nine attempts. Worcester's Tony Yapp kicked three from four.

Coventry appeared to learn what the referee was demanding in the tackle areas and his strict enforcement of the offside law and adjusted their game.

"At half-time we felt we were well in the game and we started the second half very well and the thing was going according to plan," said Worcester's club captain Bruce Fenley.

"Coventry then managed to change their tactics, played a much tighter game, and denied us possession for long periods.

"It's always very disappointing to lose a game like that but what hurt was that we couldn't get our hands on the ball.

"It has really hurt our pride and that needs to be put back on Friday night when we play Exeter Chiefs."