Charlie Capps top derby win for Titans!
ROTHERHAM overturned a half-time deficit to tough out a gritty win against Hull in a Yorkshire derby that was just as tight as expected, with Charlie Capps proving the key for the hosts.
The visitors had conceded an average of less than ten points a game before their trip to Clifton Lane and predictably made the Titans work hard to maintain their unbeaten record.
Second-half tries from Callum Bustin and Harry Newborn helped turn the match in their favour.
Rotherham head coach Steve Salvin said: “I would have been satisfied if we hadn’t come out the right side of the result because there are games this year we have won when we haven’t been at it.
“This time we turned up in the right frame of mind and just emptied the tank. It was down to effort and heart.
“Hull have by far the best defence in the league and I have the utmost respect for the way they played.”
With both teams noted for their strength up front, it wasn’t the prettiest contest but it was certainly absorbing.
A good start from Rotherham was rewarded with a penalty for Lloyd Hayes before Hull scored from their first serious assault on the home line when a series of pick and goes resulted in prop Loma Kivalu going over for a try which was enough for them to lead 5-3 at half-time.
Hull struck the first blow in the second half when replacement Charlie Beech drove over and Simon Humberstone converted for 12-3.
Rotherham had been unable to get any serious momentum but after coming through an uncomfortable third quarter they proved to be the team with more staying power.
Just before the hour, Callum Bustin finished off a line-out catch and drive to score their first try, and although Hayes converted to cut the deficit to two points, Hull responded with a penalty from Humberstone for 15-10.
That was the signal for Titans to raise it a gear. Prop Harry Newborn claimed another maul try and Hayes added the extras to put Rotherham 17-15 ahead.
With time running out, Humberstone was wide with a penalty attempt for Hull.
However, Rotherham finished on the front foot and Hayes slotted a penalty at the death.
Hull head coach Gary Pearce: “We take nothing away from Rotherham.
“They are a very good side and are very accurate in what they do.
“We managed them pretty well and we certainly had the upper hand in the scrum.
“We just lacked a bit of direction in the second half when we had the wind behind us and we didn’t manage it as well as we should have done.”