Match turns on disputed decision as Rotherham Titans lose out to league leaders

The visitors hit back from 13-5 down at half time to prevail 38-20 and rack up their 18th successive win this season.

But a key moment soon after half time provided a big talking point.

A long kick downfield from the visitors appeared to roll over the dead-ball line and out of play under the watchful eye of Titans’ Connor Dever, only for the chasing Rhys Henderson to steal in and get a hand to the ball.

Most observers believed his intervention came too late but referee Ben Rayner awarded the score from a distance away.

Titans head coach Gary Pearce added: “It was a shocking call. They reckon the ball was over the dead-ball line by half a meter. They (the officials) gave the try from 25 yards away and that changed the momentum a little bit for us.”

Sedgley kicked on after that score to win comfortably in the end, running in three more tries to give the scoreline a slightly lop-sided look given Titans efforts, particularly in the first half when they had the elements in their favour.

Dever scored Rotherham’s first try and Luckas Sableman-Blue crossed in the second half, with Lloyd Hayes kicking the rest of the points.

Pearce added: “We are disappointed because we really felt we would be in the game today. We were for long periods but you have to put points on the board when you have the conditions with you and from our point of view we probably made too many errors in the second half trying to force it a bit. 

“The lads have given a lot of effort but give Sedgley credit. They’re a good side and they’re 18 and 0."

Park’s Connor James was stretchered off and taken to Rotherham Hospital with a serious ankle injury.

 Sedgley head coach Scott Barrow praised Titans’ medical staff for their help and support during the long wait for an ambulance.

Rotherham are away to Huddersfield next Saturday.