Rotherham Titans are prepared for a tough test this weekend when they travel to Thame to take on big-spending Chinnor at Kingsey Road; kick-off on Saturday is 3pm.
Titans go into the game on the back of a disappointing home defeat against Darlington, where a last gasp try from Mowden Park centre Ben Dixon sealed the victory for the North East side.
Whereas Chinnor go into the contest full of confidence having achieved their best result of the season last time out, with an impressive 5-try, 31-23 win over Cinderford at Dockham Road.
A number of injuries have not helped Rotherham’s preparations this week, as centre Jamie Cooke (Back), prop Reece Ward (Collarbone), second rower Elliott Ward (Back) and back rower Anthony Maka (Calf) have all been ruled out.
As a result there’s been quite a reshuffle; Jamie Cooke’s absence sees Connor Field move into the centre and full back Tom Bacon move across to the wing; all of which allows George Castledine the opportunity of making his Titans debut in the 15 shirt. The other change in the backline sees a return from injury for Tom Bullough as he comes in for Harry Dunne at inside centre.
In the pack Will Dennis comes in at tight head for Reece Ward, whist in the second row Dan Preston-Routledge comes in for Elliott Ward and Lewis Wilson returns to the back row for Anthony Maka, allowing Kieran Frost back into the boiler-house; Zak Poole will captain the side from Number 8.
On the bench and should he get on the pitch, Ben Waddington will make his club debut. Also on the bench is Titans’ Argentinean hooker Agustin Defelitto and he’ll be keen to impress should he be given the nod.
Titans: 15 George Castledine, 14 Ben Robbins, 13 Connor Field, 12 Tom Bullough, 11 Tom Bacon, 10 Sam Hollingsworth, 9 Connor Dever, 1 Toby Williams, 2 Harry Newborn, 3 Will Dennis, 4 Dan Preston-Routledge, 5 Kieran Frost, 6 Lewis Wilson, 7 Keifer Laxton, 8 Zak Poole (Capt.).
Replacements: 16 Harry Whitfield, 17 Agustin Defelitto, 18 Alfie North, 19 Ben Waddington, 20 Morgan Bunting.
