Rotherham Titans tot up half a century of points against Hull Ionians

ROTHERHAM Titans produced arguably their best display of the season to see off National Two North high-flyers Hull Ionians as head coach Gary Pearce celebrated a first win in charge.

Titans scoried eight tries, including two for new player Tomasi Tanumi, on the way to a 52-25 victory at Clifton Lane against the division's third-placed club.

Dominating up front and clinical with their chances, Rotherham opened up a 21-10 lead at half time.

First try scorer Callum Bustin was switched from the forward pack to the centres with great effect alongside Fijian debutant Tamani, who has joined from Pearce's former club, Hull RUFC.

Gareth Denman and Matt Challinor also went over in the first half in a match which served up 11 tries.

Although Ionians scored two of their own after the break, Rotherham never let them get a foothold.

Tunami crossed twice and there were further scores for Danny Rylance, Lloyd Hayes and Zak Poole, in his 100th game for the club. Goal kicker Hayes finished with a personal haul of 17 point while replacement Sam Boxhall made his 50th appearance.

"We have plenty of heart and spirit here and good players," said Pearce. "Tomasi made a little bit of a difference because he talks a lot, which helps some of the younger guys.

"Our forwards were dominant. They caused so much carnage out there, it was great to watch."

The win snapped a poor run of form culminating in three straight defeats up until today.

League leaders Sedgley Park are in town next Saturday.

Added Pearce: "Hopefully we have lit a little bit of a fire in the players and we can carry this on into next week."