No change at bottom as Rotherham Titans score five tries in away defeat

Titans ran in five tries in Saturday’s 41-27 defeat at Darlington Mowden Park to earn a try bonus point as nearest rivals Birmingham Moseley also had to settle for only one point from a 23-22 loss to Old Elthamians. Moseley missed two late penalties to win the game.

Skipper Zak Poole celebrated his 50th consecutive game for Rotherham by scoring two tries as Titans went in at half time trailing 24-10.

Wing Ben Robbins went over to reduce the arrears before Mowden Park, the division’s top scorers, responded with two more tries and Warren Seals converted both for a personal tally of 16 points.

Rotherham’s late enterprise was rewarded when second row Kieran Frost went over, followed by a second of the day for Robbins.

Titans director of rugby Martin Jenkinson praised Rotherham for scoring five tries in such a difficult fixture. It was Darlington’s sixth straight home win.

Darlington skipper Ollie Hodgson, who scored two tries of his own, added: “We managed to score at the right times, just when Rotherham were getting momentum. I was disappointed to let them score two tries in at the end but credit to them for battling to get the try bonus point.”

Next opponents Chinnor needed a last-minute conversation to beat Cinderford 28-27 on Saturday and will arrive at Clifton Lane fourth in the table after a run of three wins from four.

Moseley go to bottom side Canterbury this weekend.

Kick-off at the Lane is at 2pm. More in Friday’s Advertiser.