Better to come says beaten Titans' coach

The Clifton Lane men went down 34-33 and secured two bonus points, thanks to a late push which saw them grab two tries as the fading Londoners struggled with injuries.

But despite the disappointment, Barker says there's plenty to be positive about.

"We have to be optimistic, I was pleased with the way the boys kept at it and our fitness was a big thing," he said. "We have a new team and we'll just get better and better.

Elthamians, expected to do better than their sixth place last season, lef early on and looked comfortable, only for Titans to hit back with scores from Seb Nagle-Taylor (2) and Tom Allott and lead 19-17 at the break.

But Elthamians looked stronger after the restart and two tries and a penalty put them 34-19 ahead, Rotherham's cause being hit by a yellow card for Jamie Ure.

But as the referee played an astonishing 15 minutes of added time, Rotherham's fitness told and, coupled with the visitors being hit by injuries, they struck as Allott scored a superb second personaly try and then Nagle-Taylor wrapped up hit hat-trick.

But Rotherham just didn't have enough time to pull off what would have been a flattering but nevertheless very welcome win.

"We now have a big game at Darlington this week," said Barker. "It will be another challenge but we'll be ready for it."