Top four finish remains realistic target for workmanlike Titans

The Titans, slow to begin with, took time to master Bristol at Clifton Lane, but in a close and hard-fought contest – which they won by two tries to one – Rotherham were worthy winners.

Attention now switches to the British and Irish Cup for the next fortnight with games at Aberavon and then Plymouth back at Clifton Lane.

Coach Andre Bester, who is actively trying to recruit another second-row forward, is taking this competition seriously and will be putting out strong sides.

One player who will definitely be making his debut is back-row forward Joe Ellyatt, ex-Jersey and Bath Academy, recently signed to cover for the absence of flanker Latu Makaffi, who is making a quicker recovery than expected from his broken collarbone and is confident of returning before December.

With regard to other injuries, hooker Dan Baines hurt his ribs during the first half against Bristol, so he may be glad of a break during the British and Irish Cup, as will locks Neale Patrick and Barney Maddison, who are suffering from back and knee problems respectively.

After a poor performance at Plymouth, Rotherham needed to demonstrate their potential which eventually came to fruition towards the end of the first half and then for almost all the second as the pack, inspired by fighting displays from Dan Sanderson, Rory Pitman, Ted Stagg and Alex Rieder, asserted their authority.

Bristol’s forwards dominated the opening 25 to 30 minutes and considering the pressure they faced, Rotherham were fortunate not to be further behind than 6-0.

But as throughout, apart from the soft try that allowed full-back David McIlwaine to score on 52 minutes, the Titans defended solidly.

Signs that the pack were starting to seize the initiative came just before the break. Flanker Rieder, signed from Leeds Carnegie, completed a forwards assault to claim his third Championship try and, with full-back Garry Law converting, a 10-6 lead was established.

“This was the hardest game so far, and we knew we had to step it up after the poor result at Plymouth,” said Rieder.

“Bristol don’t give up the ball and they have good skill levels, but our defence was strong although we gave away a few soft penalties which we need to eradicate.

“The outcome showed Rotherham can front-up to the top teams and, yes, it is realistic for us to aim to finish in the top four.”

The turning point came on 65 minutes with the award of a penalty try which was given following several minutes of sustained pressure on the Bristol line.

The visitors’ pack could not cope, infringed repeatedly and once Law – finishing with two conversions and three penalties – had added the two points, Rotherham led 20-13 and were now well-placed to clinch victory.

Bristol, though, remained seriously competitive and with their policy of spreading the ball looked capable of regaining the lead.

Their backs were dangerous but effective tackling by centres Lee Blackett and Palepoi Nonu, supported by sharp defending from the pack, prevented a costly late score.

Towards the end, Law was given the opportunity to stop Bristol gaining a losing bonus point, but his attempt at the posts surprisingly drifted wide.

Rotherham’s successful result owed much to the tough and exhausting preparations Bester insisted on following the defeat at Plymouth.

“We worked incredibly hard on our scrum, our line-outs and defence,” said Bester. “Our performance was workmanlike and I am a bit disappointed that we couldn’t take away the losing bonus point from Bristol.

“But this is a good result for us because Bristol are a good side.

“Rieder did well in the pack and he is a player with potential, but I don’t really like picking out individual players.”

As well as hoping that injured forwards such as Baines, Maddison and Patrick make quick recoveries before the Championship campaign resumes against leaders Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park in three weeks, Bester also needs scrum-half Joel Gill to overcome his injury.

The former Wharfedale and Otley player, who has adapted well to the demands of Championship rugby, damaged an ankle during the team’s warm-up prior to kick-off.

Rotherham Titans: Law, Homan, Blackett, Nonu, Sheridan, McKinney, Williams, Cahill (Kilbane 74), Baines (Stagg 32), Davies, Sanderson, Maddison (Freeman 47), Rieder, Kirwan, Pitman.

Bristol: McIlwaine, Tagicakibau, Eves, Rennie, Mosses, Jones (Roberts 71), Tipuna (Grindal 68), Traynor, Channon (Tanner 62), Douglas (Thompson 62), Sambucetti, Glynn (Townson 54), Winters, Grieve, Eadie.

Referee: J Meredith.