Castleford fielded a weakened side for the clash in anticipation of next week's EDF Energy Junior Vase final with Doncaster Phoenix at Twickenham but the move backfired as a rejuvinated Rotherham ran out winners.

Centre John Saddington opened the Rotherham account with a try which fly-half Tom Jenkinson converted, and after the break they went 12-0 ahead with prop Chris Baldwin scoring a second try.

Castleford hit back with a converted try and penalty to close with 12-10, but Jenkinson had the final word with a penalty.
Phoenix will play the winners of the Hessle v Hullensians clash in the final on May 18.

DONCASTER Knights have signed a third player from local rivals Rotherham Titans with the capture of scrum-half Chris Hallam for next season.

Hallam, who made more than 25 appearances for the Titans in National One last season, was prised away from Clifton Lane knowing that he would team up once again with former team mate Neil Cochrane.

The former England Under-18s and Under-19s star, who began playing the game at Dinnington RUFC, said: "I was happy with my performances last season, but it just feels right to move to Doncaster.

"My game is about talking to the forwards and helping them work and having played against the pack at Doncaster I know they are one of the best in National League One."

Yorkshire Cup champions Doncaster - who beat Wharfedale 24-17 to retain the Cup last week - have made several signings recently as director of rugby Lynn Howells builds a squad capable of playing his style of rugby.

As well as Hallam and Cochrane, the last week has seen Howells also sign Michael Cusack from Leeds Carnegie, bringing him back to the club where he learned the game while former Dunfermline RUFC centre Stevie McColl also put pen to paper with the Knights.

ROTHERHAM Titans have also signed new players for next season with former Leeds Carnegie stand-off Richard Vasey - on loan with the Titans last season - penning a permanent deal.

Vasey said: "I enjoyed the loan spell and although I didn't play much because of the injury I was impressed with the set-up and the players that Craig has recruited are proven at a high level.

"It was difficult leaving Leeds because I had come through the academy and into the first team with Stuart Lancaster but there were a few boys in the same situation and I was happy to make the move to Rotherham.

Namibian World Cup star Hugo Horn has boosted the Titans front row by signing for next season with the hooker expected to compete with established Rotherham hooker Nigel Conroy.