Rotherham Titans skipper Zak Poole says sorry to supporters after Yorkshire derby draw

Titans were lucky to escape with a 20-20 draw from the Yorkshire derby after home kicker Max Titchener missed two late penalties for the home side, denying them a first win of the season.

Backed by a good contingent of travelling fans, Rotherham had wiped out a 10-3 deficit at half time to pull level in the second period with well-worked tries by Dan Leake, Tom Bacon and Poole himself but couldn't close out victory in filthy conditions at Brantingham Park.

"It wasn't good enough from us," said Zak. "I know we got two points but it is about the performance at the end of the day. I just want to apologise to the fans travelling. I know that we can be better and it is hard to take when you are playing a game you know you can win and you don't.

"I'm not questioning that we wanted to win, because we did. I would never question the lads' attitude. I just think sometimes when it comes down to it we lose our heads a bit and don't play our game.

"We're not hitting panic buttons yet and we will train Tuesday and Thursday, probably get into each other a bit, and make it count going into this week because every point matters in this league."

Continuing injury absentees from the front row meant Rotherham again struggled in the scrum. Their goal points came from former Ionian Morgan Bunting and replacement Sam Hollingsworth.

Co-coach Anthony Posa said: "It was three points lost rather than two gained. It was very frustrating the amount of piggy backs we gave the opposition.

"It is not an excuse because credit to Hull Ionians, their scrum and rolling maul was strong, but we had numerous players out in one position (tighthead prop) and we had to ask a teenager on loan from Wasps (Jude Williams) to man up. He did the best and credit too to Zach Nearchou for doing the same but the cruel nature of National One rugby is that we had a weakness and Ionians exploited it."

The result leaves Rotherham third bottom of the table after nine games but they hope to have key pack men back in time for Saturday's home date against fourth placed Rams.