Rotherham Titans close to a perfect home year and Callum Bustin eyes a new try record
ROTHERHAM Titans will complete a calendar year without a home loss should they do the business against Sedgley Park at Clifton Lane on Saturday (2pm).
The last time Titans tasted defeat on home soil was nearly 14 months ago, when Bishop’s Stortford won an 11-try feast 45-34.
Although there has been some close shaves since then, not least in recent tight squeezes Rosslyn Park and Blackheath, Clifton Lane remains a tough nut to crack for visiting teams given the tight pitch, sizeable home crowds and Rotherham’s obvious strength
Park arrive in the middle of an arduous run of fixtures.
They’ve fallen short against two other National One juggernauts in Plymouth and Blackheath in their last two matches and were thumped 56-0 by Tonbridge Juddians early last month.
They are still one of the mid-ranking sides capable of springing a shock and Titans have had some good battles with them in recent times, not least last season.
Rotherham shaded the first meeting in Lancashire 35-30 and the return at the Lane in March produced ten tries before Titans prevailed 38-29.
"This match will be difficult,” cautioned Biljon.
"Sedgley beat Rosslyn Park 33-0 last year and Rosslyn, of course, finished as runners-up. Make no mistake, this team can surprise anyone.
"In my short time in Rotherham, one thing I do know is that there was a bit of rivalry in the two games last season and I think that will come through again.”
The match represents another chance for Callum Bustin to set a new try-scoring record for Rotherham.
He is one short of the existing high of 51 held by Zak Poole and would have beaten it already but for injury. He made his comeback in last week’s win at Rams.
"Callum came close last weekend but obviously he just couldn’t get over the try line,” said Biljon.
"Let’s be honest, he has not played at all really this season and having been out for so long – and considering the fact we had Curran Maguire and Ellis Thomas both out – Callum stepped up and really tested his lungs for as long as he could.”
Titans also welcomed back Rob Povey from a long stint on international duty with Canada and benefited from his nous at fly-half.
He and Bustin should both be available for the weekend as Rotherham look to maintain, and hopefully extend, their one-point lead at the top of National One over Rosslyn Park, who host Rams.
"I am really chuffed we are back at home,” added Biljon. “We’ve had two tough games away from home in Plymouth and Rams so it will be good being back here trying to put on a performance in front of our supporters.
“Unfortunately we have picked up more injuries. I'm waiting for a purple patch where we can get a run of games where we’ve a full squad to select from. Hopefully soon.”