Rotherham Titans will have a battle on their hands this weekend when they travel to Hull Ionians in round 9 of National 2 North; kick-off on Saturday at Brantingham Park is 2pm.
Titans were given a fright last time out by Otley, before managing to retain their unbeaten status, with a narrow 34-32 bonus point win.
Otley’s emotional display meant Roth were forced to dig deep to get over the line and there’s no doubt Ionians will deliver at least the same level of intensity and passion this week.
It’s always a fierce encounter when these two sides clash and whatever the outcome, the winning team will have to work hard to grab the spoils.
Ionians have had an inconsistent start to the season in terms of results, but an away win at local rivals Hull and an emphatic bonus point win over high-flyers Wharfedale a couple of weeks ago, show just how dangerous a side they can be.
Furthermore Ionians have recently appointed club stalwart Joe Makin as head coach and this game will be his first in charge at home.
Joe’s in his 14th season at the club and with over 350 appearances is vastly experienced; there’s no doubt he’ll be eager to make his mark.
Overall the teams have met on 8 previous league occasions, with Roth winning six, one draw and one loss; that loss for the Titans came in the corresponding fixture last season.
Going into Saturday’s match Titans have made three changes to the starting XV that beat Otley, two of which come in the pack.
At hooker Jack Bergmanas comes in for Luke Cole, whilst in the back row John Okafor gets the nod over Rupert Kay.
Across the backline Will Milner returns to the side at fly half, meaning Lloyd Hayes goes to outside centre and Tomasi Tanumi to inside centre for Harry Dunne.
Speaking ahead of the match Titans head coach, Gaz Lewis said:
“Last week Otley tried to upset our rhythm and I think that will be a key theme throughout the season, but massive credit to our lads for finding a way to win.
“This week will be similar in that Ionians will look to do the same. They’ve had a change in coaching staff with Joe Makin taken over as head coach.
“Usually when a new coach takes over you get a positive reaction and I’m sure they’ll be gunning for us.
“We know it’s going to be tough, it always is at Ionians, but we have trained hard and prepared well for what will be a real battle over there.”
Titans: 15 Jack Townend, 14 Dan Rundle, 13 Lloyd Hayes, 12 Tomasi Tanumi, 11 Jack Taylor, 10 Will Milner, 9 JB Bruzulier, 1 Charlie Capps, 2 Jack Bergmanas, 3 Gareth Denman, 4 Matt Challinor, 5 Matt Smith, 19 John Okafor, 7 Laurence Cowen-Leak, 8 Zak Poole (Capt.).
Replacements: 16 Luke Cole, 17 Loma Kivalu, 30 Reece Ward, 18 Callum Bustin, 20 Kareem Eissa.
