Rotherham Titans too strong for Sheffield in South Yorkshire derby

A crowd of more than 600 saw Titans run in five tries on the way to a 39-14 victory as Lloyd Hayes kicked 14 points to take him over the 100-mark for the season.

Despite an early try for full-back Sam Veall, Rotherham struggled in the opening quarter before taking a grip they never really relinquished.

They responded to a converted score for the home side to move 19-7 ahead at the break on the back of tries from Rupert Kay and Jack Hedley.

Callum Bustin's score soon after the restart secured the four-try bonus point skipper Zak Poole drove over for the fifth.

Sheffield, coached by former Titans chief Anthony Posa, deserved their late consolation effort from Elliot Fisher but it was Hayes who had the final say with a cheeky drop-goal to end the first ever league meeting between the clubs.

Head coach Adam Byron, celebrating a victory against his old club, said: "The conditions were difficult and the ball was slippy. It took us a while to build but once we did we were very clinical with our ball in their area.

"Sheffield had some good possession but on a day like today you don't necessarily want to have the most possession and I'm pleased we kept them to the score that we did.

"I wish Sheffield all the best. I'm glad they're in the league they are. I think this is where they should be."

The win lifted Titans up to fourth place in National Two North on a day when Sedgley Park beat previous leaders Fylde 30-20 to move joint top.

Rotherham have the second part of their Sheffield "double header" at home to Sheffield Tigers next Saturday.

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