In one of their best displays of the season, the hosts raced into a 17-0 lead inside 25 minutes thanks to tries from Zach Clow, Hayman and Ollie Hodgson, birthday boy Fraser Honey converting the last.
Travis Gordon cut the gap with a fine Titans’ try before the break, but super-sub Sam Boxhall secured the bonus-point for Rams within five minutes of the second half.
Five more points from Honey’s boot made it 27-5, albeit second-placed Rotherham kept in the contest as Lloyd Hayes added to a Curran Maguire score.
Honey, however, knocked over a second penalty, and despite Ronnie du Randt’s late converted score giving the visitors a slither of hope, it was ultimately Rams’ day.
Skipper leads from the front
Man-of-the-match Max, who led from the front with his 13th try of the campaign and a ferocious defensive effort, said his team’s commitment was key to the win.
He explained: “We spoke before the game about character, and how even in a difficult few weeks we’ve always shown it.
“The guys have stayed together, constantly worked at training and just stuck at it.
“We’ve gone through hardship with injuries, new guys coming in – Jack Rampton was outstanding under the high ball – but we’ve truly come together as a group and to get the win feels deserved.”
He continued: “It was a team performance to be proud of, but it’s been brewing. We’d had six losses in a row yet been in every game.
“We’re under no pressure, going out and playing free-flowing rugby, with some of the off-loads outstanding.”
Praise all-round
Victory came against a monumental Rotherham side, filled with huge bodies which Rams did superbly to overcome.
And the skipper joked: “I don’t know what they feed them up in the north! They were massive, but we identified some things which have benefitted them during the season and stuck to our guns in not letting them use those qualities.
“Credit to the coaches, the analysis team and the players for nullifying that.
“And I’ve got to mention the crowd – the support is just incredible.
“They follow us home and away, all round the country, and I mentioned it before the game, Seb at half-time, this club is brilliant and it wouldn’t be what it is without the fans on the sidelines.”
