Rotherham Titans 21 Bedford Blues 26: Great Will Owen try then Rotherham fade

Titans thought they had an early try after the maul worked its way over but the referee appeared to change his mind and disallowed the effort.

But the next one did count when Maddison and Tresidder combined well to supply Will Owen, pictured, who scored a brilliant try after a mazy run which saw him beat a string of defenders. Lee Millar converted to make it 7-0.

Bedford hit back when Clement-Hill went over for an unvonverted try, before Dodge scored again, Dorian’s kick being successful this time, as the hosts trailed 12-7.

Rotherham had a let-off when Tupai knocked on with the line at his mercy but by half-time Adams scored Bedford’s third try, Dorian kicking the extras, to lead 19-7.

A Jake Henry try and a superb conversion by Miller reduced the arrears to 19-14 but Bedford scored again through Burns to g0 29-14 up.

A penalty try from the drive after a lineout, Miller converting, saw Titans move to within eight points, but a converted O’Conor try completed the scoring.

Titans are away to fifth-placed Cornish Pirates next Sunday (3pm) with Ealing Trailfinders due at Cligton Lane on March 4 (2pm).

Titans: Thomas, Foley, Owen, Barker, Henry, Miller, Tresidder, Toby Williams, Graham, Rees, Normandale, Curry, Calladine, Maddison, MacDonald. Subs: Cole, Tom Williams, Herriott, Salmon, Lawrence, Walsh, Ryan.

Bedford: Clement-Hill, Tapley, O’Conor, Dodge, Adamson, Dorrian, Whiteley, Thompson-Stringer, George, Cooper, Onojaife, Hodge, Tupai, Adams, Hill. Subs: Fields, Parilli-Campo, Walker, Taylor, Blanchet-Duffresne, Burns, Sharp.