Rotherham Titans 79 Ealing Trailfinders 9: Delight for Blackett as Ealing are torn to pieces

Blackett’s move in the summer to re-sign Argentinean centre Juan Pablo Socino, after two seasons away from Clifton Lane at Nottingham and Dax, is turning out to be one of the wisest decisions he made as he put together a new squad.

Socino’s excellent contribution towards the brutal destruction of the league’s newest club from West London – 34 points – showed his immense value which will be appreciated even more as Rotherham compete against much tougher sides and ones which will offer serious threats.

In perfect conditions at Clifton Lane, Socino took advantage and appropriately produced an exemplary display, scoring a try and kicking 10 conversions and three penalties.

It should not be assumed that his 100 per cent accuracy rate was made possible because all Rotherham’s 10 tries were scored between the posts. They were not.

Several tries, four in the first half and then another six in the second, ensured that Socino’s conversions were taken from narrow angles, so his skill as a goal kicker needs to be applauded.

“This is the first time I’ve scored 30 points or more in a game, so the feeling is good,” said Socino.

“We took our chances which was an improvement on our first game. The key to this win was that we created openings.

“We are delighted to score so many points but we can’t be complacent. Moseley this Saturday will be at home and therefore will be a tougher side than in our first match.

“In the Championship, each game is a cup final, so you have to work hard all the time.”

Ealing’s all-round weakness certainly assisted Rotherham’s ability to earn a bonus point in consecutive games, and while the Trailfinders unquestionably lost their way, frequent errors were not the sole reason why they were thrashed.

Following an uncertain start of which Blackett was critical, Rotherham’s forwards gained the initiative and never surrendered it.

The front row and then the back five of Barney Maddison, Dan Sanderson, Ed Williamson, Ali Birch and Alfie To’oala won overwhelming possession and territory.

Quick handling and alert support play created tries for Socino and then for prop Marshall Gadd, his first, winger James Broadley and scrum-half Charlie Mulchrone.

Rotherham’s control was so strong that they led 37-9 at the interval.

Ealing’s inability to cope with the Titans’ pace and their failure to keep what little ball they managed to win continued.

Tries on 48, 65, 69, 74, 79 and 80 minutes – two by winger Curtis Wilson – completed a remarkable victory, but one which is unlikely to be repeated this season in the league, and definitely not in the next home game against London Welsh in a fortnight.

In addition to Socino, Rotherham’s new fly-half Dallan Murphy, from Brisbane, contributed significantly.

Not only did he score his first try for Rotherham by intercepting a pass, Murphy impressed too in other aspects of his important role; making breaks, passing the ball intelligently and kicking sensibly when required.

“I’ve settled in well and we are playing a style of rugby which suits me,” says Murphy, who has appeared three times for Queensland Reds.

“I think the standard is good in the Championship. I have found the first 30 minutes really tough, so the league is definitely a grind.

“There is a lot of potential at Rotherham, but I think you’ve to take the league week by week.

“You’ve got to focus on each week and you can’t look too far ahead.

“Coming from Brisbane to England was a bit of a shock. Everything there is relatively new and bright and I get here and many of the houses are old.

“But everyone here has been very welcoming. I’m at Rotherham for 12 months, so we’ll see how it all goes,” added Murphy who played his club rugby in Queensland for Brisbane Brothers.

The possession of strength and talent on the replacements’ bench is a requirement if Rotherham’s positive start to the Championship campaign is to develop and mature.

So far in the contests against Moseley and Ealing, the bench has delivered.

The rampaging No 8 Laurence Pearce, from Hull, is a frightening menace and a forward with such promise that it would be no surprise if he were to be signed by a Premiership club in the not-too-distant future.

Flanker Jack Preece, too, has speed and power, so there is plenty of competition for places in the back row, and with flanker Alex Rieder now recovered from injury and available for Moseley, Blackett is justifiably smiling, but far from smug.

Rotherham Titans: Keating, Broadley, Gill (Roberts 48), Socino, Wilson, Murphy, Mulchrone (White 59), Gadd, Cruse (Sowery 51), Quigley (Tampin 48), Maddison, Sanderson (Thomas 48), Williamson, Birch (Preece 48), To’oala (Pearce 40).

Ealing Trailfinders: Hall, Wardingley, Kinloch, Bedford, Robinson, Ward, Commins (Parker 68), Storer) Carey 45), Gibson (Townsend 58), Brockett (Saunders 51), Preocanin, Pape (Evans 45), Anderson (Siggery 53), Bradley, Clifford.

Referee: John Meredith.