Table-topping Rotherham Titans prevail in the mud as nearest rivals slip up
ROTHERHAM Titans beat Birmingham Moseley in filthy conditions at Clifton Lane to hang onto top spot in National One as nearest rivals Plymouth Albion lost.
Titans came through 33-7 having been 26-0 up half time with tries from Travis Gordon, skipper Harry Newborn, wing James Norman and a timely one for hooker Luke Cole on his 100th appearance for the club.
And a good day got even better with the news that nearest rivals Plymouth Albion had gone down 34-26 to Blackheath.
It means Plymouth slip five points behind Titans. Blackheath stay third, now just four points behind the Devon side.
Rotherham go to Blackheath in a fortnight’s time and host Plymouth a week later in two crucial contests.
Titans’ latest win was capped by a late penalty try after Moseley had deservedly got on the board with a converted score on the hour mark.
Lloyd Hayes slotted three conversions.
Rotherham team chief Harvey Biljon said: “Moseley are a big, heavy team and when we saw the heavens open we thought ‘here we go’.
"We took most of our opportunities in the first half and you could see how difficult it was coming into the second half.
"We struggled to see our shirts through the mud but to come away with another five points was satisfying.”
Rotherham “Points For” tally now stands at 833, eclipsing the total for the whole of last season (803).
"That’s testament to the players and the coaching,” added Biljon.
"We are getting there but we are not getting too carried away. Let’s keep building on it.”