Rotherham Titans win but lose two key players to injury

Try scorer Callum Bustin in action on Saturday before falling to injury. Picture by DAVE POUCHER

Leading try scorer Bustin and experienced second row Smith were second-half casualties of the 40-12 victory which lifted Titans to second place in National Two North.

Both were sent to hospital for x-rays which thankfully showed no fractures.

There had originally been concerns that Bustin had fractured a fibula.

Titans' medical staff will take a look at both players to determine the extent of ligament damage, with Smith's problem the more concerning at this stage in terms of time out.

Adding to the depleted numbers in the pack, skipper Zak Poole and prop Charlie Capps both sat out the Ionians game due to knee injuries picked up at Stourbridge the previous week.

Head coach Adam Byron confirmed that Capps will be missing for the "foreseeable future".

Callum Bustin receives treatment. Picture by Gareth Siddons

He added: "Thanks as always to our medical staff. They did a great job again and the lads are in really good hands and we hope they get quick recoveries."

Despite two lengthy breaks in play for treatment to Bustin and Smith on Saturday, Titans kept their concentration to close out a comfortable win in a match well handled by referee Nikki O'Donnell.

Tries from dual registered Wasps player Kieran Curran and Bustin, plus ten points from the boot of Matt Minogue, had them 20-12 up at half time.

Curran claimed a second score in the second half before Sam Boxhall went in beside the posts to secure the fourth try and a bonus point.

Minogue landed all eight of his attempts at goal to make it a 100 per cent return for the second week running.

Byron added: "Hull Ionians are no slouches at all. We knew they were going to give us a tough test. It's 40 points against one of the top sides so I am really pleased with the boys."

Titans make the long trip down to Luctonians on Saturday.