Rotherham ready to build as they close in on safety

AN optimistic mood has lit up Clifton Lane following Rotherham's third consecutive win in the relegation play-offs; a sequence which has greatly increased the Titans' chances of surviving in the Championship.

With successive victories against Coventry, Moseley and now the Bees, beaten confidently by five tries to two, Rotherham are sitting comfortably at the top their mini-league, having gained a maximum of 15 points.

Now halfway through their survival battle, Rotherham's successful start to the campaign has put them nine points ahead of Bees, 10 in front of Coventry and 11 points clear of Moseley.

Significantly after this latest triumph, coach Craig West can begin to shape his plans for next season.

Some players have already promised to remain with the club, such as forwards Ryan Burrows, Andy Barnes and Matt Challinor.

Among the backs, Kevin Maggs, who scored Rotherham's fifth try, has indicated his willingness to continue his playing and coaching career at Clifton Lane where the former Ireland, Bath and Bristol centre has used his vast experience to influence the team in training and to positive effect in matches.

Until Rotherham's Championship status for next season is confirmed beyond all doubt, West is adamant that nothing should be taken for granted and that it would be folly to relax in the three remaining games, not least at Bees on Sunday.

"It's not done and dusted, but bar a miraculous capitulation which I don't see happening by these players, we are in a strong position.

"It will be a difficult proposition at Bees. They are no mugs and are a much improved team."

That correct assessment was illustrated by the enterprise delivering Bees' tries on 35 and 65 minutes scored by former Rotherham wing Anthony Elliott and fly-half Ben Patston, both of whom penetrated Rotherham's defence far too easily.

However, between these two tries, Rotherham not only built on a solid start provided by tries from No 8 Burrows and winger Andrew Henderson, but they also ruthlessly exploited blunders by the Bees.

Towards the end of the first half, they committed suicide, giving Rotherham the opportunity to grab control of the contest by scoring 19 points between 40 and 47 minutes.

Bees handed over any initiative and never regained it because indiscipline reduced them to 13 men following the issue of yellow cards in the 35th and 36th minutes against prop Mauro Sperando and No 8 and player-coach Russell Earnshaw.

Seriously weakened, it was not surprising that Bees suffered as Rotherham throttled their opponents.

Just before the interval, the referee awarded a penalty try, and as the second half unfolded with Bees still undermanned, Rotherham quickly added to their half-time lead of 21-13.

Their effective and productive pack won plenty of possession which full-back Brad Hunt and Maggs took advantage of.

Combining pace and strength, these tries on 43 and 47 minutes reinforced Rotherham's grip, and with fly-half Michael Whitehead converting two of the three tries scored in this spree, the lead accelerated to 33-13.

The Titans overcame several anxious moments once Bees were restored to a full side.

The Birmingham side's quick handling and good support play threatened but could not penetrate Rotherham's sharp tackling. However, Patston's try acted as a reminder that momentary carelessness should not be repeated.

Rotherham's control was never seriously undermined, enabling West to make changes in personnel.

Three-quarter Tom Allen was particularly delighted because late in the second half he made his 100th league appearance.

"This win has probably cemented our league position next year and we can now sort out players for next season," explained Hunt, one of Rotherham's more senior players, who created Henderson's try and then scored himself.

"This performance builds our confidence and we want to win six games on the trot and finish top of our pool. We don't want to give any team any easy points.

"Bees played some good rugby and they've been working on their scrums, but our pack was dominant.

"It's good that we have not gone into our shells. Some of the other sides like Moseley have slipped up but we have been lucky that we started well and now the momentum is with us to go through."

Rotherham Titans: Hunt, Feeley, Maggs, Gidlow (Allen 74), Henderson, Whitehead, Chivers (West 74), Voisey (Kilbane 65), Conroy, O'Donnell (Prescott 61), Challinor, Barnes (Hayter 69), Kleeberger, Du Plessis, Burrows.

Birmingham-Solihull: Penn (Foden 62), Hunt, Holtby, Mitchell, Elliott, Patston (Petty 71), Brown, Sperando, Phillpott (Preece74), Halavatau, Davidson, Noonan, Connolly, Bell, Earnshaw (Cox 74).

Referee: M Tutty (RFU).