Rotherham Titans 25 Jersey 16: Rotherham stride on at expense of obdurate Islanders

The Titans continued their excellent start to the league campaign by winning for the fifth time in six games during a contest at Clifton Lane which confirmed that standards in the Championship are rising with each season.

Tries by scrum-half Charlie Mulchrone, hooker Tom Cruse and winger Michael Keating put Rotherham in front by 19-13 after 36 minutes, but against admirable and awkward opponents who defended ferociously, the Titans could never be certain of victory.

However, they must be given credit for preventing Jersey scoring any points in the second half.

Rain and a swirling wind made playing conditions difficult, not least for goal kickers, and while the Championship’s leading points scorer, Juan Pablo Socino (114) kicked two conversions and two penalties, Rotherham’s centre missed eight points, a failure which can be blamed in part on the weather.

Jersey, who scored a fine try by flanker Ben Maidment and three penalties and a conversion from their efficient fly-half Niall O’Connor, were always highly competitive and behind by only 19-16 at the interval.

With just over an hour gone and with Rotherham leading by 22-16, Jersey wing Mark MacCrae, not for the first time, exposed a weakness in the Titans’ defence.

However instead of capitalising on a golden opportunity which may have put Jersey in front, MacCrae dropped the ball as he was charging towards the posts.

Mulchrone and Sean Scanlon both blew chances to score the bonus-point try before Socino, at the second attempt, mastered the wind to guarantee Rotherham’s victory; a success which will increase their confidence as they prepare for three tough away games at Leeds, Bristol and Plymouth.

Rotherham Titans: Scanlon, Broadley, Roberts, Sonino, Keating, Murphy, Mulchrone, Gadd (Dias 80), Cruse, Quigley (Tampin 60), Thomas (Maddison 73), Sanderson, Rieder, Birch, Williamson (To’oala 56/Preece 80).

Jersey: Penberthy, MacCrea, Pointer, Locke (Foster 6), Dawson, O’Connor, Griffiths, McCarthy (Fidler 53), Felton(Stratford 69), Young (Selway 80), Campbell, Rae, Maidment, Buckle, Brown(Voss 73).

Referee: J Meredith (RFU).