Moseley 8 Rotherham Titans 36: Rotherham overcome illness and conditions to maintain run

Beating Moseley by five tries to one was particularly satisfying because Rotherham were weakened by illness and injuries to several players, and needed to overcome the disadvantage of playing in the second half against the slope of the pitch and a powerful wind.

Their victory probably owed as much to outstanding defence after the interval as it did to a strong first-half performance during which they scored four tries, three by backs Shane Monahan, Ed Tellwright and Tom Foden, and flanker Carl Kirwan, making his Championship debut.

The 20-year-old, from Teesside, completed an excellent first appearance by scoring his second try and Rotherham’s fifth.

Kirwan, always up with the ball, also played an influential part in creating the Titans’ second try for winger Tellwright on 28 minutes.

Dashing 40 metres to launch a counter-attack, Kirwan, showing vision and pace, sliced through Moseley’s defence and then passed to Tellwright in support.

“If I’d had a bit more gas, I would have made it three tries,” explained Kirwan.

“The Rotherham coach, Andre Bester, took a chance with me and I owe him big style and I’ve also had a lot of help from the experienced back row players.

“We had a game plan to keep it tight and our defence was great.”

Moseley, managed by former Rotherham coaches, Kevin Maggs and Craig West, initially offered stubborn resistance, but once the forwards began to control possession, and with the wind in their favour, four tries followed.

Moseley, trying to capitalise on the conditions in the second half, dominated territory for large periods, but were met with fierce opposition which prevented them scoring for more than 40 minutes.

Rotherham’s potential was also underlined by fly-half Cliffie Hodgsonk, whose self-confidence was restored with a successful contribution of four conversions and a penalty.

Moseley: Carter, Robinson, King (Macburnie 65), Reay, Gillick, Davies, Brown (De La Harpe 52), Warren, Caves, Quigley (O’Donnell 41), Lyons, Stott (Spivey 41), Mason, Maltman (Harper 41), Pennycook.

Rotherham Titans: Foden, Tellwright, Brierley, Nonu, Monahan, Hodgson, Rhodes (Williams 70), Kilbane (Cahill 72), Baines (Stagg 61), O’Donnell (Noonan 70), Maddison (Hooper 65), Griffiths, Copeland, Kirwan, Taulava.

Referee: J Matthew.