Jersey 22 Rotherham Titans 35: Maddison sets sights on the title for Titans

Captain Barney Maddison is confident they can carry on their winning ways, saying: “There’s no reason why we can’t go on and clinch the title.”

On a ground where both London Welsh and Bristol have had to battle hard for victory, Lee Blackett’s side bagged five tries in a quality performance against an Islanders side buoyed by new coach Harvey Biljon.

The former Cornish Pirates man brought more steel to the relegation-haunted hosts but they struggled to match the power of the Titans, who opened a 17-10 half-time lead despite playing into a strong wind on a boggy pitch.

Tries from powerhouse Alfie To’oala, getting the final touch in a drive to the line, Ben Sowery, bludgeoning his way through from 20 metres with Juan Socino converting, and then Jamie Broadley, scampering in at the corner from Dallan Murphy’s pass, put Rotherham in the driving seat before the break.

Jersey stayed in the game thanks to No 8 Tom Brown being driven over. The try was converted by Niall O’Connor, who also added a penalty but when Sean Scanlon scored the Titans’ bonus-point try, it effectively killed the hosts’ hopes, though Brown’s second try was converted by O’Connor after 55 minutes.

Ali Birch had only been on the field for two minutes when he dummied his way over, Socino making it 29-17 before adding two further penalties.

Jersey’s Jack Burroughs touched down with the last play.

Jersey: Burroughs; Pointer, Locke, Bishop (McCrea 63), Foster; O’Connor (Dudley 79), Williams (Griffiths 63); McCarthy, Taione (Felton 79), Young (Selway 70), Markham (Campbell 50), Rae, Makaafi, Silcock (Buckle 25), Brown.

Rotherham Titans: Scanlon; Broadley (Hayes 67), Roberts, Socino, Keating; Murphy, White (Mulchrone 54); Hislop (Williams 70), Sowrey (Cruse 54), Quigley (Tampin 46), Maddison (c), Sanderson (Thomas 50), Rieder, Preece, To’oala (Birch 54).

Referee: J Meredith (RFU).