Rotherham Titans 42 Birmingham & Solihull 15: Titans triumph to boost survival hopes

Rotherham's ambitions of avoiding the relegation play-offs were boosted at Clifton Lane last night when they beat the division's bottom side by six tries to two.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jan 2010, 09:41 BST
Updated 21st Jan 2010, 09:41 BST

Importantly, Rotherham, who scored three tries in each half, claimed a maximum of five points.

After a weak start in which Bees grabbed a 10-0 lead and then 15-7, the Titans fought back and eventually overtook enterprising opponents.

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Exciting tries by backs Peter Swatkins and Brad Hunt, followed by the award of a penalty try, all converted by fly-half Michael Whitehead, enabled Rotherham to lead 21-15.

Rotherham's strong pack continued to threaten and dominated the second half – pressure producing tries for Jon Skurr and Steve Swindall, and the award of a second penalty try.

Whitehead continued his accurate goal kicking and punished Bees by striking another three conversions.

However, Rotherham's timely victory following four consecutive League defeats was spoilt by injuries to Tinus du Plessis and Nick Buckley. Rotherham now prepare for another vital game on Sunday at Cornish Pirates.

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Rotherham's Kevin Maggs, who missed last night's victory, is expected to play at the weekend.

Rotherham Titans: Hunt, Feeley, Buckley (Allen 19), Gidlow, Swatkins, Whitehead, Rhodes, Voisey (Quigley 66), Batty, Prescott (O'Donnell 61), Dickinson (Barnes 68), Hayter, Kleeberger, du Plessis (Swindall 29), Skurr.

Birmingham & Solihull: Elliot, Holtsby, Foden, Mitchell, Culpin, Petty, Orme, Phillips, Sperando, Davidson, Noonan, Connolly, Preece, Halavatua.

Referee: M Wilson (RFU).

Related topics:RotherhamBirmingham