Rotherham Titans 37 Nottingham 31: Titans count the cost of victory

Rotherham's third win in four games ended in controversy with Nottingham No 8 Sione Kalamafoni set to be cited for dangerous play following an incident that seriously hurt centre Jonny Hepworth.

The former Leeds back, who required urgent medical attention, was concussed and will not play for the next three weeks.

Rotherham coach Andre Bester studied the video of the clash and concluded that the Nottingham forward would be cited.

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Nottingham's Tongan international was also involved in a crunching tackle on Rotherham full-back Richard Welding whose shoulder was damaged.

Earlier in the first half, play was stopped for eight minutes while Rotherham prop Rob O'Donnell, received medical aid on a dislocated ankle and he will miss the next three months at least. Nottingham scrum-half Tim Usasz was also taken to hospital after suffering a nasty arm injury in the second half.

In between the stoppages at Clifton Lane, a highly competitive game developed, resulting in Rotherham claiming a maximum five points.

The Titans' win by five tries to three featured a hat-trick of tries by former Doncaster No 8 Adam Kettle, who said: "It's a long time since I played in such a tight-knit squad. The team spirit is amazing and considering that we've been together for only a couple of months, we've put together some fantastic rugby."

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Rotherham, surving a strong second-half recovery by Nottingham, also scored tries by Welding and winger Peter Swatkins.

Rotherham Titans: Welding(West 62), Swatkins, Hepworth (Hunt 56), Socino, Du Randt, Hodgson (Paul 52), Bedford, Steenkamp (A O'Donnell 57), Loney (McGregor 76), R O'Donnell (Quigley 26), Harris (McGowan 68), Dickinson, Burrows, Baines, Kettle.

Nottingham: Sempere, Savage, Forsyth, Johnston, Jackson, Arlidge, Usasz (Barnham 60), Harris, Youngs, Davies(Adams 25), Shaw, Raven, Hammond, Armes, Kalamafoni.

Referee: L Apgeraint-Roberts (RFU).

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