Rotherham Titans rue another late lapse as poor run continues

The 30-14 defeat at Bishop's Stortford last weekend was their fifth in the last seven and leaves them eight points shy of the safety line in National One.

But what made it harder to take was that Rotherham were leading 14-13 with five minutes plus injury time remaining, adding to a run of late losses this term.

The hosts scored two tries to turn the contest around, cancelling out touchdowns by Elliott Ward and Anthony Maka, both converted by Morgan Bunting.

Co-coach Anthony Posa said: "There was a lot of good stuff in the first half. We were happy going in at 7-3 up knowing there were areas we could improve on.

"The half time talk had its benefits because the first 15 minutes of the second half were our best patch. We scored a lovely try to go 14-3 up and were in control but teams at this level aren't going to roll over and die.

"Momentum went their way with a few calls and what was disheartening for me is that rather than have a bit hit in defence or a big play to turn things our way, we conceded penalties, had two players yellow carded and that led to their inevitable scores.

"Whether that was fitness or a lack of mental toughness, I don't know. But with all due respect to Bishop's Storford we should have won that game. We were in a position to win and had worked hard to get into that position."

Having already suffered a strong of injuries in the front row this season, Titans have been hit again.

Props Harry Whitfield and Harry Newborn both went down. Morgan Bunting is a doubt as well. All will be assessed this week.

Added Posa: "We just have to get through this time and keep working hard to eradicate these little areas that are costing us. It's not like we're getting smashed. We're just coming on the wrong side of these close games."

Kick-off on Saturday is at 2pm.

More on the Titans in Friday's Advertiser.