Rotherham Titans look to steal a march on rivals

ROTHERHAM Titans will look to re-ignite their season when they tackle another National One away test today.
Action from Titans' win over Chinnor at Clifton Lane back in October.Action from Titans' win over Chinnor at Clifton Lane back in October.
Action from Titans' win over Chinnor at Clifton Lane back in October.

Placed fifth, 21 points shy of leaders Old Elthamians, a top-five finish is the most realistic aim.

But to make sure of that Titans have to shake off their iffy form and the attentions of improving Darlington and Plymouth.

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Both are four points behind, as are today’s opponents Chinnor, who host Rotherham in a rearranged game at their Kingsey Road ground in Thame, Oxfordshire, originally postponed earlier this month due to the weather.

After three defeats from the previous four, the last a 24-17 reverse at Plymouth last Saturday, Titans head coach Joe Barker senses an opportunity.

“Chinnor will be a tough contest,” he told the Advertiser. “They are close to us in the table, as are Plymouth, so either way there could be a bit of movement in the points area this weekend.

“Plymouth are closer but this is our game in hand and if we can win it then we can move away from both them and Chinnor..

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“I see Darlington have started to get a few wins under their belt, so we have a bit of extra competition coming against us.”

Alex Dolly scores a try against Chinnor earlier this season.

Titans aren’t helped by ten players being unavailable, that list comprising Ellis Abrahams, Sam Allan, Jamie Cooke, Mark Fairhurst, Connor Field, Callum Irvine, Conor Keys, Rikki Stout, Eru Smith-Wano and Jessie Williams.

The threadbare numbers mean number eight Seb Nagle-Taylor switches to centre. Assistant coach Christian Head fills in on the bench. Barker himself moves back to fly-half. Tighthead prop Anthony Dickinson and fly-half/centre Tom Allott also come into the squad.

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Team: Alex Dolly; Dan Leake, Seb Nagle-Taylor, Harry Dunne, Henry Roberts; Joe Barker, Connor Dever; Dan Richardson, Jack Bergmanas, Will Dennis; Jamie Ure,  Kieran Frost; Luis Ball, Tom Cotterill, Zak Poole.

Replacements: Ali Thomson, Antony Dickinson, Dan Preston-Routledge, Christian Head, Tom Allott.

Rotherham won the first meeting 32-26 in October.

Kick-off is 2.30pm.

 

 

 

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