Titans hit six ahead of return to National One

FOLLOWING their enthralling National Two North title race last season, Rotherham and Leeds Tykes met once again with the Titans coming out on top 40-7.

- BEN JAYCOCK

The game was competitive in spells but the National Two North champions put down a marker ahead of their return to National One.

Leeds scored in the first half through scrum-| half Ewan Laughton but trailed 14-7 due to winger Cuchulain Livingstone and scrum-half JB Bruzulier touching down.

Rotherham added further scores in the second period through skipper Zak Poole, new signings Ronnie Du Randt and Travis Gideon, and Jamie Cooke, who returned after more than two years out from a leg break.

Last season's National One runners-up Rams came from behind four times before eventually snatching a thrilling 35-28 victory in a cracker at Welsh Premiership side Aberavon.

Steff Gibson crossed for the hosts but Rams replied swiftly through debutant Joe Pannese. Aberavon went back in front with Gibson grabbing his second but Rams equalised through Ollie Cole.

James Clegg continued the Aberavon scoring but Ollie Moyle finished and then Ed Hoadley touched down before Harry Stone finished an enthralling contest.

National Two West champions Dings Crusaders saw off Bargoed's second team in a 34-19 triumph at Shaftesbury Park as Tongan winger Solomon Taufa touched down for a first-half hattrick. Further tries came from Ollie Smith, Gethin and Ezra O'Callaghan Craven despite a second-half fightback from the Welsh side.

Bournville began their countdown to the new National Two West season with a hard-earned 26-19 victory over Bromsgrove in a fast, furious and entertaining encounter.