Frustration as Rotherham Titans shocked by Sheffield Tigers in South Yorkshire derby

Titans were nowhere near the standards shown at Sheffield RUFC the previous week as a lacklustre showing was punished in an unexpected 19-14 loss, their fourth of the season in National Two North.

It took Titans more than an hour to put their first points on the board, by which time Tigers had already made the most of a healthy quota of territory and possession to build up a decent lead.

Tries from ex-Rotherham man Jamie Broadley and Josh Redfern, plus a penalty, had them 13-0 up at half time as Titans' Matt Challinor and Jack Bergmanas picked up yellow cards.

The home team were out early for the second half and at last got some fire in their bellies. They twice spilled the ball with the try line at their mercy before prop Charlie Capps burrowed over and Lloyd Hayes converted to get them up and running.

After Mark Ireland slotted a penalty to calm Sheffield nerves, second row Theo Nwosu-Hope drove in for a late converted score to cut the deficit to 16-14, only for Ireland to have the final say with a three-pointer.

The final whistle at Clifton Lane was greeted with wild celebrations from the visitors.

Byron said: “We have a problem to solve and that is that we are playing in a cup final every Saturday against these teams.

“Away from home against Sheffield last week we were up for it. We performed. To do that week in and week out in these South Yorkshire derbies is tough, but we didn’t get it right today.

“The first-half performance would suggest we weren’t in the right frame of mind to start with and that’s something we have to look at and change.

“We have to find the answer, whatever it is, to keep people sharp and on their toes and wanting to turn up and perform against these teams who are fuelled on the energy of taking the Rotherham Titans scalp.”

Titans have slipped to fifth in the table ahead of a scheduled two-week break.

The next match is away to Otley on November 26.