Exciting Titans put on exhibition for Clifton Lane faithful

Showing enterprise, slick handling and intelligent support play, Rotherham demolished Plymouth by scoring four tries in the first half and then another five in the second.

The goal kicking of fly-half James McKinney was also of a high standard as he put over seven conversions to add to his growing reputation in all departments.

Several of the players who distinguished themselves against Plymouth may well be considered for selection on the return to Championship action at promotion favourites Newcastle on Friday.

Three of the nine tries were delivered in the first half by Scottish winger Mike Doneghan who completed a hat-trick on 17, 36 and 40 minutes, helping to provide a 28-14 lead at the interval.

“It’s fantastic to score a hat-trick and it’s my first since I scored one on my debut for Scotland Under-18s against Wales some years ago,” said Doneghan, who joined Rotherham from Glasgow Warriors in the summer.

“I’m fighting to get into the first team because I was left out at the start of the season, but then I got a Championship try against Jersey on my debut which put me back into the good books.”

Irish back Eamonn Sheridan, moved from wing to centre, also demonstrated how to seize opportunities by scoring two tries in two minutes as Plymouth’s defence crumbled.

Impressive performances were also produced by the Mulchrone brothers, Fergus and Charlie, at full-back and scrum-half respectively. Recruited from Macclesfield, each scored a try on their Clifton Lane debuts where their contributions were characterised by strong running, well-timed passes and the ability to create space.

“They are good players and they have something about them. I’m pleased for them because Fergus and Charlie have had lots of set-backs in their careers,” said Titans’ coach Andre Bester. “Hopefully, they’ll now stay injury free and step up,”

In an entertaining Cup encounter, Rotherham’s forwards, after a slow start, gradually and then ruthlessly won control; in the pack Dan Sanderson and Toby Freeman were outstanding and significant displays came from flankers Nile Dacres, Joe Ellyatt and Rory Pitman. Rotherham’s willingness to keep the ball alive enabled Ted Stagg and Lee Blackett to score excellent tries in the second half.

Rotherham Titans: F.Mulchrone, Styles (Williams 47), Sheridan, Blackett, Doneghan, McKinney, C Mulchrone, Gadd (Kilbane 56), Bester (Stagg 52), Denman (Davies 61), Freeman, Sanderson, Dacres, Ellyatt, Pitman.

Plymouth Albion: Bailey, Jones, Howley-Berridge, Fisilau, Bowen, Gabbitass, Cushion (Bartlett 28), Rogers, Cowan-Dickie (Salter 40), Andrew (Hopkins 52), Carrick-Smith (Nasiga 49), Ascroft-Leigh, Matavesi, Sprangle, Tovey.

Referee: J van der Merwe.