Rotherham Titans v Leeds Tykes

By Gazz on 01/04/2004
April 1 2004

Round 2 of the Yorkshire Derby finds the Titans playing for nothing more than pride, whilst the Tykes are still aiming for a possible wildcard spot. Titans have yet to record a win in the ZP this season, with only 2 bonus points to show for their not inconsiderable efforts thus far.

Both teams will be justifiably unhappy with their seasons, and arguably
Titans have proved what Leeds already knew - that it takes at least a
season to appreciate just how different life in the ZP is compared to
National 1. So will it be same again? Somehow, I don't think so!!

The teams will line up very differently to the ones that played in round
1; Leeds now have their internationalists back not only from RWC, but
now also from the 6 Nations. Rotherham also had players out at the
world cup and in the 6 Nations, but they have also made a number of new
signings since the first half of this season. The new players have yet
to bring them that elusive win, despite some good performances. Most
notable of these was against Gloucester, when Titans took a 16-0 lead
into half-time only to succumb to a second half onslaught.

Leeds have shown some dramatic improvements in recent games, and the
30-30 draw with Falcons last weekend is a tremendous boost given the (on
paper) weakened pack they were forced to field. Mike Shelley remains a
long term injury, whilst we still await news on Phil Christophers and
Dan Hyde. Michael Cusack, on the other hand, may now be causing Phil
Davies worries of a much better kind following his display last weekend,
although it seems doubtful that he would start assuming Kerr, Powell &
Holt are all fit. Nevertheless, the 19 year old has shown that he has
bright future ahead of him.

This is a must win game for both sides, and just because they're assured
of finishing last doesn't mean the Titans will roll over. Leeds will
have to raise their game to get the win they need to keep alive any
chance of a wildcard spot, and there may well be players playing to keep
their place next season.

Overall, I expect Leeds to be too strong for Titans and complete the
double over their Yorkshire neighbours.

TEAMS

Rotherham

1. Riaan Olckers
2. Andy Long
3. Colin Noon
4. Corniel van Zyl
5. Luke Gross
6. Des Tuavii
7. Brad Macleod-Henderson
8. Geraint Lewis
9. Guy Easterby(c)
10. Phil Jones
11. Michael Wood
12. Pete Jorgenson
13. Jon Pritchard
14. Anthony Elliott
15 Bernardo Stortoni

16. Nick Lloyd
17. Chris Johnson
18. Bloues Volchenk
19. Neil Spence
20. Charlie Harrison
21. Lee Blackett
22. Jon Benson

Leeds

1. Gary Powell
2. Rob Rawlinson
3. Gavin Kerr
4. Phil Murphy
5. Tom Palmer
6. Matt Salter
7. James Ponton
8. Colm Rigney
9. Alan Dickens
10. Duncan Hodge
11. Diego Albanese
12. Andre Snyman
13. Tristan Davies
14. David Rees
15. Matt Cardey

16. Mark Regan
17. Michael Cusack or Matt Holt
18. Scott Morgan
19. Alix Popham
20. Clive Stuart-Smith
21. Gordon Ross
22. David Clayton