By Stefan
September 13 2005

THE TITANS travelled to Coventry with a point to prove, and prove it they did! They rectified the defensive frailties of last week producing a solid performance to earn their first victory of the season on a wet and slippy Butts Park Arena.

A Much improved performance was called for and Bester's Boys duly obliged with a competent display carrying on from last week’s second half recovery at Nottingham.

The two teams played contrasting styles of rugby in difficult conditions; Coventry's driving game was more than matched by Titans' aggression up front and the visitor's more expansive style fully stretched the home side. Hala'Ufia, McGowan, Strettle and especially Claasens were superb in open play running at the defence at every opportunity.

The score at half-time was even, however, the Titans took control of the game in the second half to finish on top in an error strewn game, no doubt influenced by the poor playing conditions.

Coventry began positively and, with the breeze behind them, they put early pressure on the Titans successfully converting two penalties, on 1 and 10 minutes, to take an early 6-0 lead. Coventry mounted periods of sustained pressure but were unable to breakthrough the visitor's strong defence.

The Titans responded with two first-half converted penalties of their own. The first on 15 minutes after Coventry were penalised for the high tackle on Lee Blackett illegally ending a promising move and the second on 38 minutes after a scrum infringement near the 22. Mike Whitehead slotted home both attempts. Both sides went in at half-time with the score tied at 6-6.

The second half started with a series of errors by both sides; the wet and skiddy conditions not helping. Coventry went ahead for the second time in the game following a penalty, kicked into the corner. The resulting line-out led to a time-honoured Coventry catch and drive move in which No 8, Dan Farani, was driven over, James Moore converting from wide right to give the home side a 13-6 lead.

However Coventry, increasingly forced onto the back foot, were unable to add further to their score. Penalties on 49 and 52 minutes, both converted by Mike Whitehead, enabled Rotherham to claw their way back to 13-12.

The Titans took effective control of the game when turnover ball resulted in a try on 57 minutes. A stray pass was collected by Neil Cochrane who slipped the ball inside to the on-rushing Tom Allen. His line of running opened a gap out wide for Scott Donald to beat the cover in the left corner. Mike Whitehead's difficult conversion kick made the score 13-19.

Coventry attempted to step-up their game but a drop goal on 70 minutes by Mike Whitehead closed out the game with the final score at 13-22.

Coventry had no answer to the Titans' wedge defence. It forced them onto the back foot - especially in the second half - and at times, Coventry were tackled to a standstill.

Bester's Boys will have bigger challenges this season. However, they can be heartened by the fact that when confronted by seemingly serious problems they can rise to meet and overcome the challenge.

The front row, to a man, were effective against a street-wise pack who were able to break up the Titans' driving maul on occasions. The scrum worked well and forced Coventry to give away a number penalties.

Adam Hopcroft was the pick of the crop up front; he came on after Attie Pienaar's neck injury on 8 minutes and performed manfully in the tight and in the loose. His performance demonstrates the depth of quality of this squad; when key performers are out - either unavailable or injured - others can step up without diminishing the overall effectiveness of the whole.

Mike Whitehead put in another masterful performance, he bossed the game and his kicking pinned Coventry in their own 22 for much of the last 20 minutes. His drop-kick, in the context of the game, was a gem.

Chris Hala'Ufia impressed in both attack and defence. He put himself around carrying the ball on every opportunity. He 'corner-flagged' well and his defensive play prevented a try early in the second half.

Scott Donald was the man of the match. His high work rate and effectiveness at the breakdown was exceptional, added to this his ability to get himself into scoring positions where he can use his pace is outstanding; he's a match winner.

Man of the Match:
Scott Donald

Earth Titans:
15 Errie Claasens; 14 David Strettle, 13 Lee Blackett (Capt.), 12 WP Strauss (Tom Allen 43), 11 Anthony Carter; 10 Mike Whitehead, 9 Joe Bedford; 1 Jon Golding (Jarleth Carey 64), 2 Neil Hanna, 3 Attie Pienaar (Adam Hopcroft 8), 4 Louis McGowan (Gareth McComb 78), 5 Rob Walton (Scott Donald 78), 6 Scott Donald (Hendré Fourie 78), 7 Neil Cochrane, 8 Chris Hala'Ufia (Ben Wade 73).

Titans Scorers:
Mike Whitehead (4P 1D 1C), Scott Donald (1T).

Coventry:
15 Craig Richards; 14 Nik Witkowski, 13 Donovan Sanders, 12 Dave Tiueti (Kurt Johnson 79), 11 James Moore; 10 Richard Davies, 9 Mike Walls (Rob Chrystie 69); 1 Kisi Pulu (Alex Gluth 63), 2 Richard Plotherough, 3 Niall Treston (Rich Siveter 52), 4 Hendry Rheeders (Capt.), 5 Ben Gulliver (Paul Clapham 30), 6 Henno Venter (Dave Campton 59), 7 Gareth Gravell (Tom Johnson 30), 8 Dan Farani.

Coventry Yellow Card:
Rob Chrystie (75 min.)

Coventry Scorers:
James Moore (2P 1C), Dan Farani (1T).

Referee:
Bruce Robertson (RFU).

Other Results of the day:
Bedford Blues 47-17 Doncaster
Exeter Chiefs 21-10 London Welsh
Newbury 25-26 Cornish Pirates
Otley 15-18 NEC Harlequins
Pertemps Bees 24-13 Plymouth Albion
Sedgley Park 12-29 Nottingham