Captain Dickinson shows Titans the way forward

As Rotherham Titans begin their preparations today for one of the most important matches of the Championship campaign – Saturday’s South Yorkshire derby against Doncaster – morale throughout the club received a timely boost with this significant victory at St Helen’s.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Nov 2011, 10:36 BST

The Titans’ first win in the British and Irish Cup following defeats by Leeds and Nottingham demonstrated that the talent in the reserves is encouragingly promising.

Coach Andre Bester rested the vast majority of his Championship side but the players who do not regularly feature in the league competed successfully against Welsh Premiership opponents selecting their strongest available team, including two former Wales internationals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A try by prop Ben Harris, and a conversion, a penalty and a drop-goal from fly-half Cliff Hodgson, was probably an insufficient return.

Giving a debut to centre Dave McCall, on loan for a month from Glasgow Warriors, Rotherham were inspired by a strong all-round performance from captain and flanker Sam Dickinson, one of the few constant Championship players who appeared in South Wales.

Swansea, struggling in the league, not least because of injuries to 15 players, should have broken through late in the second half but solid defence by Rotherham’s pack on their line prevented a try and with it, the opportunity for the All Whites to draw level.

Bester, delighted with the efforts of his less experienced squad members, emphasised that they would play more frequently once Rotherham had confirmed a place in the promotion play-offs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Our first goal is to get 50 points. We have 18 to go. We need to get that as soon as possible.

“Once there, we can start rotating, which is critical for us because it gives time to develop players who will be needed if there are injuries.

“In fairness, many of them should be playing more matches, and I thought everyone took their opportunities and everyone showed something.”

McCall, 24, is more than likely to be included in the squad to face Doncaster at Clifton Lane, and could make a permanent move.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bester is also hoping to complete the deal in the next few days which should result in the signing of a new scrum-half.

Swansea: B Davies, Prydie, Chance (Setaro 66), Harwood, Szabo (Thomas 66), S.Davies, Torrance (Gibson 52), Kaijaks (Cross 52), A Rees, J Rees, Jones (Gwynne 52), Kelly, Blyth, Lewis, Baker.

Rotherham Titans: Hamilton, Brierley, McCall, Homan, McMahon, Hodgson (Rhodes 58), Godfrey, Harris, White (Bester 65), Stout (Kilbane 65), Noonan, Maddison, Dickinson, Kirwan, Wade (Cahill 63).

Referee: C Rudkin (Scotland).

Related topics:DoncasterSouth YorkshireLeeds