Error-prone Rotherham Titans fall to top dogs Richmond

The visitors controlled the contest in wet conditions at Clifton Lane to win 23-6 and nudge Titans into the bottom three.

A try by prop Alex Barnfield and eight points from the boot of Rob Kirby helped the London outift into a 13-3 half-time lead and although Sam Hollingsworth’s second penalty soon after the re-start nibbled at the deficit, Richmond closed out victory with relative ease. Hooker Ross Grimstone scored their other try as Rotherham failed to reach the standards that had seen them beat another of the promotion chasers, Chinnor, the week before.

Forwards coach Matt Smith said: “We both had similar game plans but they executed theirs better and didn’t make many errors. They didn’t do much but they didn’t have to because our errors gave them opportunities.

“It was frustrating but hopefully our lads can learn how to pressurise a team and how to suffocate a team because I think that is what Richmond did really well.”

The match saw a return to competitive action for Jack Bergmanas, who was given the all-clear to play following a heart issue. The prop was introduced in the first half.

Titans try to charge down a clearance at Clifton Lane on Saturday.

“It felt very good to be out there playing but standing here right now doesn’t feel very good,” said Jack.

“They kicked at the right times and although we matched them at times in the set piece, towards the end they got better than us.

"Richmond have just come down from the Championship and it is useful to go up against a team like that and gauge where we are." 

Rotherham have now lost five of their opening eight fixtures but have a chance to get a win on the board in Saturday’s Yorkshire derby away to bottom of the table Hull Ionians.

For full Titans coverage check out Friday’s Advertiser.