Rotherham Titans 45 Plymouth Albion 10: Titans set to unveil new nap hand of signings

Rotherham, who won impressively by seven tries to one at Clifton Lane to maintain their challenge for a place in the promotion play-offs, are expected to announce five new signings later this week and that another player from the current squad has agreed to renew his contract for next season.
Juan Socino celebrates with Jack Preece after his try.Juan Socino celebrates with Jack Preece after his try.
Juan Socino celebrates with Jack Preece after his try.

As a result of this victory, Rotherham’s 14th in 19 Championship games, the Titans are nine points clear of London Scottish in fifth place, but in order to confirm a place in the top four, important battles against Bedford, Cornish Pirates, Leeds Carnegie and Ealing must be won.

The match against a competitive Plymouth side, which would have scored more than one try but for solid defending, was transformed early in the second half following an even opening period that ended with Rotherham leading by 12-3.

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Rotherham’s pace, excellent handling and policy of keeping the ball alive destroyed Plymouth, who let in four tries in only 14 minutes, two by Welsh centre Jack Roberts, the former Llandovery player who also made several dangerous breaks.

Roberts’ best try on 44 minutes was a super solo effort as he ran almost 50 metres to the line to put Rotherham in front by 24-3 – a lead which rapidly grew to 38-10 as Roberts added a second.

Rotherham’s authority increased substantially with flanker Ali Birch and replacement prop Robin Hislop scoring the sixth and seventh tries.

Once again, the Titans’ back row of Jack Preece, who scored the first try after four minutes, Birch and Alex Rieder was a constant menace.

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Another significant contribution was provided by second-row Tom Holmes, who is on loan from Premiership club Sale until the end of the season.

Rotherham Titans: Scanlon, Keating, Roberts, Socino (Davies 44), Wilson, Murphy, Mulchrone (White 60), Gadd(Hislop 60), Cruse (Sowrey 60), Quigley (Tampin 44), Holmes, Sanderson (Thomas-Brown 52), Birch, Preece, Rieder.

Plymouth Albion: Mugford (Cushion 66), Bowen, Elder, Howley-Berridge (Arnott 52), Warner, Shanahan, Bolt Tom Harrison (Rice 50), Saunders (McGregor 68), Fairbrother (Morton 68), Leigh-Ascroft(Tovey Harrison 68), Oakley, Stephen, Matavesi, Evans.

Referee: M Fox (RFU).