It’s Millar time as relieved Titans build for the future

THE battle between the league’s bottom clubs, who are no longer threatened with relegation because of London Welsh’s collapse, was settled in Rotherham’s favour by a top class goal kicking display by flyhalf Lee Millar.

The former London Scottish 10, on-loan from Hull Ionians, put over three penalties and two conversions on his Rotherham debut.

His 13 first half points proved to be crucial as Richmond fought back strongly after the interval and stopped Titans from scoring throughout the second half.

Titans skipper Tom Calladine said: “We needed this win and we owed it to the coaches. It has boosted the squad’s morale. We are relieved and now Rotherham want to kick on in 2017.

“I am disappointed we didn’t score another two tries in the second half.”

While Richmond wasted several scoring opportunities in both halves, Rotherham took theirs before the break as No.9 George Tresidder shot through a gap in Richmond’s defence, and ten minutes later, No.8 Tom MacDonald was driven over from a line out.

With Millar adding his second conversion, Rotherham led comfortably by 20-3, and after the Scot struck his third accurate penalty just before halftime, the Titans were in control at 23-3.

However Richmond lost their 11th Championship game in 13 because they failed to take advantage of the yellow card against Rotherham forward Oli Curry on 30 minutes.

In his absence, they failed to score whereas the Titans gained three precious points in the 40th minute when Millar kicked his fifth successful goal.

Richmond recovered, dominated possession for almost all the second period and would have scored more than one try if Rotherham had not defended their line so solidly.

The Londoners, keeping the ball alive, deserved to score on 67 minutes when their pressure was rewarded when centre Cameron Mitchell scored in the corner. With Rob Kirby converting, Richmond had cut the lead to 23-10 and game on.

However, Rotherham began to win some ball having been outplayed for large parts and sensibly played the territory game to the end, preventing Richmond creating dangerous positions in their 22 to close the match.

Richmond coach Steve Hill said: “We were much improved in the second half, but I think the boys will be disappointed given the amount of possession and territory we had.”