Bester pride as storm is weathered
Rotherham’s game at Welsh side Aberavon began amid a hail storm and they were in danger of being washed away as they quickly fell 13-0 behind.
However, James McKinney kept them in touch with three successive penalties, and as the weather brightened, so too did the Titans who came out for the second half in determined mood.
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Hide AdMcKinney kicked a fourth penalty before, on 50 minutes, Dan Sanderson crashed over to edge the visitors in front.
McKinney converted and then kicked two more penalties as the Titans assumed complete control. Stefan Andrews pulled back a converted try for Aberavon but Titans hung on for a first opening day win in the competition under Bester.
The head coach said: “That performance summed us up. The players showed exemplary character and resolve and James McKinney’s kicking was excellent.”