Rotherham Titans expect a stern test this weekend when they host Bournville RFC for the first time at Clifton Lane in round 3 of National 2 North.
Bournville are new to the division after gaining promotion from the Midlands Premier league, having run away with the title by more than 20 points.
The Birmingham based side have also impressed after two games at the higher level, following an opening day 24-19 away win at Huddersfield and last week’s 7-try demolition of Harrogate 47-20 at Avery Fields and having run in 10 tries already this term, Titans will have to be on their mettle to keep out this free-scoring side.
Rotherham themselves have made a decent start to the campaign following an impressive 35-5 win over Wharfedale on the opening day at Clifton Lane and then last week picking up a very respectable draw away to Sedgley Park, on what must be one of the widest pitches in the division.
Going into Saturday’s clash Rotherham have made just 2 changes, both of which come in the backline. At scrum half Sam Pocklington comes in for Sam Boxhall and at fly half Joe Carlisle is given the nod over Jonny West.
Speaking ahead of the match and recognising the challenge ahead, Titans head coach, Steve Salvin, said:
“We are making steady progress as a group and our game is coming together and against Bournville on Saturday the lads will get another opportunity to demonstrate that progress, but it won’t be easy as we know they have made a great start to the season having won both of their games.
“They like to play with a high tempo and they are capable of scoring lots of points; they put nearly 50 on Harrogate last week and that shows the quality of some of their attacking rugby. Consequently they have a winning mentality, especially having been promoted into the league.
“Therefore we’re in no doubt of the challenge they’ll present and if we are to get the right result we’ll have to perform at our very best.”
Titans: 15 Cameron McDonald, 14 Connor Field, 13 Lloyd Hayes, 12 Harry Dunne, 11 Jamie Cooke, 10 Joe Carlisle, 9 Sam Pocklington, 1 Charlie Capps, 2 Harry Newborn, 3 Colin Quigley, 4 Matt Challinor, 5 Matt Smith, 6 Theo Nwosu-Hope 7 Matti Williams, 8 Zak Poole (Capt.).
Replacements: 16 Francis Entressengle, 17 Alex Pleasants, 18 Rikki Stout, 19 Harry Williams, 20 Sam Boxhall.
