Rotherham Titans 12 Nottingham 32: Late blitz could have damaging effect on Rotherham

The turning point was the yellow card against replacement scrum-half Charlie Mulchrone.

Rotherham were handicapped and from then on hopes of a victory vanished just as rapidly as Nottingham scored points.

During a blitz between the 74th and the second minute of added time, the free-flowing side that is now second in the Championship astonishingly scored 24 points.

In only eight minutes, Rotherham’s defence, which apart from conceding an early try and until the yellow card had been solid, folded to let in three converted tries and a penalty.

Replacement back Andrew Forsyth completed a thrilling attack featuring several players, but the try of the contest which had been close until Nottingham’s rampage was produced by centre Tim Streather, outstanding throughout. He ran almost unopposed for 50 metres without being tackled to score the most exciting try seen at Clifton Lane this season; however, Streather’s solo effort raised sharp questions about the Titans’ organisation in defence and the lack of tackling.

The assault continued on 82 minutes as Rotherham gave away another penalty which was easily kicked. The defeat by such a margin was never expected, and once Rotherham had overcome a weak start, their pack was highly competitive and with Nottingham conceding kickable penalties, the Titans took their chances.

Gradually, thanks to strong defending and the goal-kicking of full-back Garry Law whose two second-half penalties delivered a 12-8 lead, Rotherham were heading towards a narrow and deserved win. However, as both coaches admitted, the yellow card transformed the contest which resulted in Rotherham’s seventh defeat in 13 league matches.

It will be interesting to see if the manner of this loss has any effect on the team’s self confidence.

Coach Alex Codling is in charge of a hard working squad who can defend effectively, so he will try to ensure that this setback is only temporary.

Rotherham Titans: Law, F Mulchrone, Sheridan, Blackett, Homan (Howard 62), McKinney, Williams (C.Mulchrone 61), Gadd (Kilbane 29), Stagg (Hannan 62), Davies (Denman 65), Freeman, Thomas, Makaafi (Dacres 72), Kirwan (Baines 62), Rieder.

Nottingham: Lewington, Cobden, Streather, Munro (Forsyth 58),Crane, Arlidge, Romans, Harris, Malton (Wright 76), Holford (Bower 61), Montagu, Rouse (Price 76), Cooper (Shaw 62), Wilson, Calladine.

Referee: G McDonald (RFU).