Top marks for players and supporters after key Rotherham Titans victory

TEAM chief Joe Barker saluted the efforts of players and spectatators after Rotherham Titans overcame National One promotion rivals Blackheath in a tight winter battle.

More than 600 spectators braved atrocious conditions to Clifton Lane to take in the top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.

The home faithful were rewarded with a gutsy display from Rotherham as they came back from 7-0 down at half time to win 10-7 thanks to a penalty try and then a three-pointer in the late afternoon gloom from Alex Dolly, much to the delight of the die-hards in the Shed.

Barker said: “It wasn’t one of those days you are going to play great rugby. The win was down to pure grit. We adapted, we took Blackheath on up front and Dolly kicked the points. It’s an exciting chapter for the club and I’m excited to be involved.

“I don’t think I’ve heard the Shed like that for a very long time, it was a hell of a noise, and I think the purists here will say the same.

“After our next match against Darlington, we have a bit of a break over Christmas and we want to come back with the festive spirit and get the Shed going again.”

The win, Rotherham’s fourth on the bounce, ironically saw them drop to fifth spot due to a bonus point win for Ampthill.

Blackheath remain second, three points ahead of the Titans, ahead of a crucial clash for them against leaders Old Elthamians this weekend.

While disappointed to see his side surrender a winning position against Rotherham, head coach James Shanahan was philosophical.

“It was a match between two good defences and two physical packs and Rotherham came out on top,” he said. “It was hard to take and now we have a must-win game at OE’s to stay in the fight, otherwise they will be clear and it will be tough to get back in it.

“It has taken a while but the division is taking shape now and I think it is going to be tight.”

Rotherham sign off the year at home to Darlington Mowden Park on Saturday (2pm).

More Titans news in Friday's Advertiser.