Titans insist game will go ahead after row over Lane

The rugby club say they were given permission three years ago by Rotherham Town CC to use the venue for league games, regardless of the cricket-rugby crossover dates.

But Town have insisted they have prior call on the Lane and are determined to play their key South Yorkshire Senior League relegation clash against Rockingham.

Talks have failed to provide a solution and the Titans say that, after exploring alternatives, they insist the game against Old Elthamians will kick off at 2pm as planned and have this afternoon begun preparing the ground.

Titans said in a statement released this afternoon: "Speculation has arisen regarding the venue for Rotherham Titans home fixture against Old Elthamians.

"This fixture falls within the tenure of Rotherham Town Cricket Club on Clifton Lane, which expires on the September 9.

"The staging of this fixture on Clifton Lane also, however, falls within the scope of the written agreement between Town and Rotherham Titans, completed in December 2015.

"That agreement clearly states that the changeover dates remain but Rotherham Town  acknowledge that Titans may need to use the ground at the start and end of the rugby playing season for League fixtures and play-off games and that Rotherham Town will accommodate this.

"Despite our agreement we have made all efforts to avoid a fixture clash with Town, who also have a home fixture.

"This year our League Requirements are that fixtures must be played on the Saturday of each week with kick off between 1pm and 3pm.

"We have made all efforts to re-arrange the game, including reversing the fixture to the home ground of our opponents and also seeking other alternative suitable other venues.

"Regretfully this has not been possible and we are left with no alternative but to rely upon the agreement made with Rotherham Town."

Town remain adamant that they have the right to play at the Lane this weekend.

They said in a statement: "Despite the fact that Rotherham Town have advised Rotherham Titans that the ground is unavailable to them on Saturday, they have advised us that they intend to fulfil their fixture despite our representations to them and clearly that is in conflict with their tenure and our tenure. 

"We intend to play our game and fulfil our obligations to our opponents and our league on Saturday. We raise the matter so that the people of Rotherham can understand the approach that has been taken by the management of Titans, who will in effect be trespassing on the day along with opponents and fans."

There will be a full report and analysis in tomorrow morning's Advertiser.