Titans get back on track after rocky run
ROTHERHAM put a rocky run of results behind them to edge out Chester and move back above them in the league table.
Four defeats from six matches had all but extinguished Titans’ promotion chances, with the club and head coach Adam Byron parting company by mutual consent towards the end of that run.
But Titans made the most of their first home match since his departure with a much-needed win capped by 16 points from the boot of Lloyd Hayes.
Forwards coach Matt Smith said: “The biggest thing for any team that’s had a couple of losses is to get that W.
“We had to work for it. We had a few opportunities that went begging but that’s a team that is struggling with confidence.
“I think this win will give the lads belief and hopefully going forward we can build on that.”
After Hayes slotted a penalty to give Rotherham an early lead, Chester seized the initiative when prop Tom
Furnival went in at the corner and Liam Reeve added the extras.
Reeve was only just short with a huge penalty attempt from inside his own half before scoring an easier effort to open up a 10-3 lead.
Rotherham were guilty of erring in promising positions before making a chance stick on 22 minutes. A kick to the corner set up a driving maul finished off by prop Danny Rylance. Hayes’ conversion levelled the scores up.
The try buoyed the home team, who made several excursions into the home 22 in the run-up to half-time.
Clifton Lane’s floodlights were switched on for the second half and they shone the way to goal for Reeve as he landed two penalties to push Chester six points in front.
Determined to stave off a third straight defeat, Titans dug in.
Hayes was on target from the tee to trim the deficit to three points and then sustained pressure ended with wing Ollie Parker scooting in at the corner to mark his debut with a try. Hayes’ extras put Rotherham 20-16 up as the game headed into the final quarter.
Further breathing space was provided by a penalty from Hayes only for Chester to respond with a multi-phase assault that ended with replacement George Baxter driving over. The failed conversion attempt left a relieved Rotherham 23-21 in front.
Hayes took the chance to extend the lead with another three-pointer and although he was wide with another attempt, Titans were able to close out a much-needed win.
Smith added: “It’s nice to be at home again in front of the fans. They follow us all over the country and to win is as big a thing for them as it is for the squad.”