Rotherham Titans 33 Pontypridd 23: Rotherham refreshed for Notts test

British and Irish Cup

Rotherham's enterprise and commitment needs to be repeated tomorrow in a much more significant contest when their Championship campaign resumes against Nottingham at Clifton Lane.

Controversy has erupted before kick-off because the Meadow Lane side are complaining about the lack of decent floodlights at Rotherham and are objecting to playing.

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Assuming they turn up, Nottingham will be met by a determined and refreshed Rotherham first team squad, several of whom were rested for this Group D match.

The Titans' morale-boosting win by four tries to three, their second in the competition, was thoroughly deserved, and in case it is thought that coach Craig West put out a less than competitive side because Championship survival is the priority, 10 of the team which outplayed Pontypridd had appeared in the league.

The Welsh Premiership club shone in the first half, but in the second, Rotherham's forwards took a grip.

Winger Peter Swatkins completed a thrilling backs' move to score Rotherham's first try and then, in the second half, two tries by fly-half Tom Allen and prop Craig Voisey confirmed a victory in which players on the fringe seized the opportunity to impress.

Two tries after the interval by Pontypridd, weakened by several absences, threatened to upset Rotherham's control.