Rotherham Titans need extra backing for top-end clash

National One’s match of the day, it sees the fourth-placed Titans lock horns with opponents who are six points better off in second place.

It is also the first of two successive home matches before the Christmas break, with Darlington to pay a visit next week.

“It would be great to get more people through the gate, especially for the next two matches,” head coach Joe Barker told the Advertiser.

“It makes the difference for us. I know we had a few more against Cinderford last time we played at home so hopefully now we can get a few more added on.

“We want two good results to take us into the second half of the season.”

New signing, Kiwi pro Jessie Williams, is included among the replacements and the starting XV shows three changes from last week’s win at Bishop’s Stortford.

Clean lineout ball for Rotherham at Bishop's Stortford last week.

Second row Jamie Ure’s injured shoulder means he makes way for Luis Ball. Another injury casualty, Henry Roberts, is replaced by Connor Field on the wing. Connor Dever is in at scrum-half for Alex Dolly.

Rotherham are gunning for a fourth win on the spin while Blackheath have won seven of their last eight, the other ending in a draw.

Kick-off is 2pm.

Team: Callum Irvine; Dan Leake, Harry Dunne, Ellis Abrahams, Connor Field;  Joe Barker, Connor Dever; Dan Richardson, Ali Thomson, Rikki Stout; Conor Keys, Luis Ball; Smith-Wano, Zak Poole,  Seb Nagle-Taylor.

Replacements: Jack Bergmanas, Will Dennis, Jessie Williams, Alex Dolly, Jamie Cooke.