Top-of-the-table Rotherham Titans delivered a statement performance at Clifton Lane, overwhelming sixth-placed Rams 80–7 in a ruthless display that underlined their title credentials in National League 1.
Played under bright sunshine but with a swirling, testing wind, conditions were far from straightforward. Yet Rotherham adapted superbly, particularly after the interval, to run in 12 tries to Rams’ solitary effort. The emphatic victory not only marked the Titans’ biggest score of the season, but also ensured they remain firmly in control at the summit, with their destiny very much in their own hands.
Despite the final scoreline, the first half offered a more competitive contest than the scoreboard might suggest. Rams showed early intent, moving the ball ambitiously and asking questions of the Titans’ defensive line. However, Rotherham’s superiority at the set piece—especially at scrum time—provided a consistent platform that would ultimately prove decisive.
The hosts struck first after 12 minutes when James Norman crossed following sustained pressure. A dominant scrum laid the groundwork, and quick recycling allowed the backs to exploit space out wide. Rams responded well and were rewarded midway through the half, Fergus Dick finishing a well-worked move on 24 minutes to level the match.
At that stage, the visitors looked capable of making a real contest of it. However, Rotherham began to tighten their grip, their pack asserting increasing authority. Lloyd Hayes restored the lead on 31 minutes before adding his second just six minutes later, both tries stemming from controlled forward play and clinical execution in the red zone.
As halftime approached, the Titans struck again through Mitchell Lacey-Babalola, whose pace and footwork proved too much for the Rams defence. His try on 40 minutes gave Rotherham a commanding cushion heading into the break and hinted at what was to come.
Turning around with the strong wind now at their backs, Rotherham elevated their performance to another level in the second half. Any lingering resistance from Rams was quickly extinguished as the hosts produced a relentless and expansive display.
Within a minute of the restart, Norman grabbed his second try, capitalising on field position and momentum. From there, the floodgates truly opened. John Okafor powered over on 47 minutes before Callum Bustin added two tries in quick succession at 52 and 58 minutes, both highlighting Rotherham’s ability to blend forward dominance with sharp attacking interplay.
The Titans’ backs were particularly impressive given the challenging conditions. Handling remained crisp despite the wind, and their decision-making was consistently on point. Space was identified and exploited, turning territorial advantage into points with ruthless efficiency.
As the game entered its final quarter, there was no let-up. Isaac Shaw crossed on 71 minutes, before Norman completed his hat-trick just two minutes later, capping a fine individual performance. Even then, Rotherham were not finished. In injury time, Xavier Valentine added another score from a powerful drive.
The final play of the match provided a moment of individual brilliance that perfectly encapsulated the Titans’ afternoon. Shaw collected the ball deep inside his own half and embarked on a stunning solo run, slicing through the Rams defence to score a sensational try that brought the crowd to its feet and put an exclamation mark on an already dominant display.
To their credit, Rams never stopped battling. Despite being under immense pressure, they continued to show attacking ambition and defensive commitment, embodying a “never say die” spirit that deserved recognition even in defeat.
For Rotherham, however, this was a performance that reinforced their position at the top. Their control at the set piece, combined with their ability to play expansive, high-skill rugby in difficult conditions, made them a formidable force today.
Reflecting post-match Titans Harvey Biljon said:
“The basis of our performance today comes from our training on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s; we haven’t let up and I think that showed in an 80-minute performance. We just relentlessly went through our processes over and over again.
“The other thing to mention is the changes in the team, we’ve been able to manage the squad when injuries have kicked in and everyone has had an opportunity to play and today when players had the opportunity to come in they’ve been ready to perform and that’s a real healthy place for a squad to be.
“We didn’t underestimate Rams at all; in the last couple of seasons they have been the favourites, and you always consider them real candidates.
“If I’m being honest, I think I was more nervous today than the players were, the players have got a little bit of self-belief and confidence and that’s great for us as a squad.”
Titans: Norman (3T), Bustin (2T), Shaw (2T), Lacey-Babalola (T), Okafor (T), Valentine (T), Hayes (2T, 10C)
Rams: Dick (T), Cooke (1C)
Yellow Card: None
Referee: Ben Rayner
Assistant Referees: Simon Williams & Ian Farrell
Titans: 15 Isaac Shaw, 14 Jackson Barling, 13 Lloyd Hayes, 12 Mitchell Lacey-Babalola 11 James Norman, 10 Rob Povey, 9 JB Bruzulier (Broad 52), 1 Alastair Donkor (Mitchell 42), 2 Morgan Veness (Cole 55), 3 Andrew Foster (Valentine 52), 4 Curran Maguire, 5 Harry Gilson-Fox, 6 John Okafor, 7 Harry Newborn (Capt.) (Baldry 50), 8 Callum Bustin (Newborn 74).
Replacements: 16 Luke Cole, 17 Calvin Mitchell, 18 Xavier Valentine, 19 Jack Baldry, 20 Sinjin Broad.
Rams: 15 Zach Clow, 14 Ollie Hodgson (Hoadley 59), 13 Morgan MacRae, 12 Rowan Grundy, 11 Tom Vasu, 10 Mike Cooke, 9 Ed Hoadley (Jones 52), 1 Ant Marris (Harris 51), 2 Pete Austin (Marshall 59), 3 James Baker (Lomas 51), 4 Connor Stapley (Elston 52), 5 Harry Stone, 6 Fergus Dick, 7 Aaron Tull, 8 Willo Bicknell (Capt.).
Replacements: 16 Paddy Harris, 17 Max Marshall, 18 Ryan Lomas, 19 Liam Elston, 20 Ellis Jones.
