Rotherham 30 Doncaster 23: Wilson’s textbook finish is late derby winner for Titans

As a result, the Titans move up to fifth in the Championship on 12 points; Doncaster, who began the derby in third place, drop to sixth but they also have 12 points.

A fiercely-fought battle between two evenly-matched sides, in which Rotherham conceded 18 penalties and two yellow cards against forwards Tom Calladine and Charlie Maddison, was concluded in thrilling style.

As the game entered the fifth minute of stoppage time at 23-23, Doncaster, down to 14 men following the sin-binning of No 8 Ollie Stedman, conceded another pernalty, their 12th.

Rotherham kicked for the lineout which they won, deep in Doncaster’s 22 and, instantly, replacement scrum-half Andy Davies passed inside to winger Curtis Wilson, whose devastating speed shot him through for the match-winning try.

As fly-half Tom Barrett added his third conversion to follow his earlier significant contributions of two penalties on 17 and 59 minutes and a drop goal in the 33rd, Rotherham seized the spoils and with it their third Championship win of the new campaign.

Doncaster felt that a draw would have been a fairer outcome; after all they were drawing going into the final minutes and had earlier matched Rotherham in the try count with flanker Latu Makaafi scoring his sixth of the season followed by lock Matt Challinor, whose converted try put his team 14-10 in front.

On reflection, Doncaster arguably should have chosen attacking lineouts in the second half instead of letting Doug Flockhart kick two penalties on 65 and 72 minutes.

The Knights also handicapped themselves when Flockhart, one of the most prolific goal kickers in the Championship, surprisingly missed a penalty on 77 minutes which would have provided a priceless lead of three points at a crucial stage of the contest.

Instead, Rotherham showed ruthlessly how scoring chances should be taken as Wilson, for the second time, sprinted successfully to the line for another exciting try.

“I’m delighted because all of us grafted really hard. We’d been practising the move all week and all the hard work paid off,” said Wilson.

“I’m also pleased for our new coach Mark Jones. He used to be a winger for Wales and has spent a lot of time passing on his experience to the back three since he’s been here.”

As for Jones, capped 47 times between 2001-09, he enjoyed a special weekend – celebrating a win in his first South Yorkshire derby against his old coach Clive Griffiths and then watching Wales’ dramatic World Cup victory against England.

“I’m very proud of the boys’ efforts. We practice those moves in the week over and over again and, to be honest, the boys get a bit bored.

“But Curtis was in the right place at the right time and at the right angle, so it was nice to see the move work.”

Doncaster had to be content with a losing bonus point which seemed harsh considering their commitment and efforts of such players as dangerous centres Matt Clark and Will Hurrell.

They have, though, started the new league season promisingly with wins against Nottingham and Jersey and strong performances against London Welsh and now Rotherham in which they earned points for coming second best.

“Both sides had purple patches and I think a draw would have been a fairer reflection but you always want better. Now we must make sure we beat Ealing Trailfinders at Castle Park on Saturday,” said forwards’ coach Glen Kenworthy.

Rotherham Titans: Scanlon, Hayes, J Davies, Owen, Wilson, Barrett, White (A Davies 69), Hislop (Williams 65), C Maddison, Tampin(Thiede 40), Holmes (Oram 74), B Maddison, Argyle, Calladine, Cree (Harris 38).

Doncaster Knights: Edgerley, Flockhart, Clark, Hurrell, Lewis, Heaney, Field, Bergmanas (Sproston 57), Hunter (Stagg 70), Quigley (John 70), Challinor, Hotson (Young 70), Makaafi (Shaw 52), Stedman.

Referee: A Jackson.