Bruised Rotherham Titans pick over latest defeat

ROTHERHAM Titans' mental toughness was called into question after they slipped further into relegation trouble in National One.

Titans went down 30-7 to Cinderford at Clifton Lane on Saturday, failing to register a point after Zak Poole's early try, converted by Sam Hollingsworth.

And many of the team's old failings in the scrum and lineout were once again evident in a match bossed by the visitors from Gloucestershire who ran in four tries to claim a bonus point victory.

By the time Rotherham stirred themselves for a late rally, the match was gone.

Joint head coach Matt Smith: "Cinderford were quality up front and we struggled, which is sad. It shows the work that's required and as a forwards coach it hurts even more.

"In the opening ten minutes when we scored and also in the last 15 minutes we looked really good but once again you have to have that platform that comes off the scrum to allow you to get field position and attack teams and we didn't have it.

"I've asked the lads, why did we have so much energy in the last 15 minutes? To me that comes down to mental strength. When you're losing and teams score tries you lose that."

More action from Saturday's game. Pictures by DAVE POUCHER.

With many rivals above picking up points on Saturday, Titans now find themselves 11 points shy of the safety line with successive away games to come at Blackheath and Old Elthamians.

Rotherham have lost six of their last eight matches and their last four at Clifton Lane.

Smith added: "The lads are hurting and I know the supporters are going to be hurting as much as we are as players and coaches.

"We're all trying to do everything possible to get that win and it is not going to get fixed overnight. We just have to stick together and keep working hard."