Titans prove tough obstacle but Leeds still find way to win

In a highly competitive Yorkshire derby, this time in the British and Irish Cup at Headingley, Leeds Carnegie proved too strong for a lively Rotherham Titans side, scoring three tries to none in their 17-3 victory.

Leeds, welcoming back winger James Tincknell, who was seriously injured seven months ago in a car accident, scored twice before the interval when No 8 Alex Reider crashed over in the 10th and 26th minutes.

Rotherham came back strongly in the second half and dominated much of the territory and possession but could not convert it into points.

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Indeed, the Titans only score came in the 38th minute when fly-half Dave Marshall slotted over a penalty.

Late in injury time, Leeds were awarded a penalty try and with fly-half Tommy Bell adding the conversion, victory was confirmed in what had been a close contest.

The match was spoiled by a serious ankle injury to Rotherham forward Talite Vaioleti, who needed to be taken off by stretcher and later taken to hospital for an x-ray.

It’s thought the Tongan may be out of action for up to four months.

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Elsewhere in the competition, Doncaster Knights found themselves edged out 33-29 by Nottingham in their opening group clash at Meadow Lane.

Tom Calladine gave the home side an early lead with Jamie Stokes adding the extras, before he added two penalties to make it 13-0 after 15 minutes.

Doncaster hit back, though, through director of rugby Brett Davey, who went over to give Lee Audis an easy conversion.

Knights’ joy was short-lived though with flanker Richard de Carpentier racing in from close range on 24 minutes for another converted try.

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The home side continued to look more dangerous with the ball in hand and they were over the line again on 34 minutes when centre Joe Munro put full-back Dante Mama over from close range.

Audis cut the interval deficit to 25-10, but Knights were still left with plenty to do in the second period.

Knights had the better of the first 15 minutes of the second half without ever looking like scoring until Makaffi threw them a lifeline with a close-range try on 57 minutes, only for de Carpentier to go over for his second try on the hour.

Knights hit back with an excellent try by McIlwaine following their best move of the game which Audis converted.

Stokes edged Nottingham further ahead with a penalty late on, while Burke Flynn missed out on a late try by inches.