Rotherham Titans 28 Moseley 17: Titans unconvincing but victory shows how far team have come under Bester

However, with much tougher matches ahead against Bedford, Worcester, Nottingham and London Welsh, the Titans need to improve substantially on a performance in which they struggled to overcome stubborn opponents.

Rotherham are still on course to finish in the top eight but it must be a concern of coach Andre Bester that his side often fails to convert possession into points when the pack have established favourable attacking positions.

While the Titans did not live up to their potential, and are disappointed not to have earned a bonus point, they were still strong enough to outscore the Birmingham club by three tries to one.

The award of a penalty try on 22 minutes and then scores by forwards Colin Quigley in the 39th and Alex Loney in the 73rd minute set up this unconvincing victory. Rotherham's cause was also helped by two conversions and three penalties from centre Juan Pablo Socino.

The Titans led 20-6 at the interval but let their control slip in the second half when Moseley fought back to 23-17 following the fourth penalty by Oliver Thomas.

Rotherham pulled themselves together and their hard working pack, led by the exemplary Adam Kettle, created several periods of pressure on Moseley's line, resulting in replacement hooker Loney forcing his way over.