Echoes of the past as Rotherham Titans journey back to Headingley

Their Yorkshire derby against Leeds Tykes has been switched from their normal base at The Sycamores across to Headingley, a ground which immediately conjures memories of a titanic battle 25 years ago.

Rotherham edged their hosts 17-16 on a Friday night under the lights with a late kick from Mike Umaga in front of more than 5,000 spectators.

It took Roth’ another step closer to promotion to the Premiership and helped delay Leeds’ own efforts to reach the top flight until the following year.

Even though, all this time on, the two Yorkshire rivals are meeting at third-tier level, there is still pride and important league points on the line.

Second bottom Leeds, newly promoted to National One, need them to starting climbing out of harm’s way while the table-topping Titans want to end a strong year on a high.

"Form and league position go out of the window in a derby game,” said director of rugby Harvey Biljon.

"We also have Headingley adding to the occasion. As far as I’m aware Leeds normally have a fixture there each year and they have obviously selected ours and we are going to go and enjoy that.

"Leeds will be looking for an early Christmas present. You will get all the – for want of a different phrase – noise and excitement but for us we have had a great first half of the campaign so let’s put in an effort this week so we can see out the year with a solid performance.”

After a poor start, the Tykes have shown hints of better things of late.

They’ve won four of their last eight games and were good enough to come away from high flying Blackheath with a four-try bonus point last week in a 36-28 defeat.

They’ll also want to try and atone for a chastening 52-12 loss to Rotherham at Clifton Lane in September and will undoubtedly feel more at home at Headingley.

Titans have been the most consistent team in National One this season, the only blots on their copybook a 22-21 defeat away down at Plymouth and an out-of-the-blue 50-31 loss away to mid-table Dings Crusaders.

Titans were a National Two North side when Biljon joined the club two years ago.

After a promotion in his first season and third-placed finish in Nat 1 last term, he remains committed to sticking to process, not looking too far ahead and letting the league table take care of itself.

It makes good reading at the moment, with Titans five points clear of nearest challengers Plymouth and an increasingly wobbly Rosslyn Park.

Having been one of the chasers last season, this time Rotherham have led from the front.

"The steady progress is an important,” added Biljon. “I’m encouraged by the coaches and the players.

"I’m still waiting for a purple patch where we have no injuries and the chance to to pick from a full squad but hopefully that will come sooner rather than later.

"Of course we have a long way to go but on the whole I’m happy with where the group is at and more importantly the enthusiasm everyone has to continue to improve.”

Kick-off tomorrow is 3pm.