Rotherham Titans 54 Jersey 31: Injuries to key men takes gloss off Titans’ win

As coach Andre Bester prepares his side for Friday’s game at Plymouth, he will need replacements for both players, and it is thought that Rotherham are searching for another second row who can also play at the back of the scrum.

Rotherham’s attacking play against the Championship’s bottom club, much more competitive than their recent form suggested, was of good quality.

First-half tries by winger Eamonn Sheridan, flanker Carl Kirwan, centre Palepoi Nonu and back row forward Alex Rieder helped to establish a comfortable lead of 34-10 at the interval.

Rotherham also scored two excellent tries in the second half through centre Garry Law and winger Michael Doneghan, who touched down on his league debut. Law, who had not been able to start in the three previous matches because of an ankle injury, returned to action in fine style and produced a match-winning display of 29 points – one try, six conversions and four penalties.

If Rotherham are to achieve their stated aim of finishing in the top four, they must reproduce regularly the authoritative and organised performance seen at Nottingham where the defence was outstanding rather than the careless approach which conceded four tries to the weakest team in the Championship.

Rotherham also gave away too much of their own ball against Jersey who broke through three times in the second half to add to their try before the interval.

As Jersey coach Ben Harvey said: “I’m proud of the team because they put Rotherham under a lot of pressure.” Too much, and Rotherham struggled to gain any ball during the opening 20 minutes of the second half and were prevented from launching a serious attack again in Jersey’s 22 until an hour had gone.

Law said: “We can take credit for scoring 50 points which is never easy against any side and it was pleasing to get a bonus point, but we have a lot to work on.”