London Welsh Preview

Mike Schmid
By Roth Admin
September 24 2004

Rotherham Titans travel to Old Deer Park tomorrow hoping to maintain their 100% start to the season. Rotherham’s first away trip sees them up against old foes in London Welsh. Welsh always cause Rotherham problems and tomorrow will be no different, despite the exiles poor start to the campaign.

Rotherham have virtually named the same 22 that handsomely beat Orrell at Clifton Lane last week. The only change sees Australian utility back Mark Sweeney come in at scrum half, for Jacob Rauluni who is nursing a bruised shoulder.

Tim Maslanyk who made a promising debut against Orrell retains his position at lock as Jonathon Pendlebury is still recovering from a knee injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for the next 2/3 weeks.

Rotherham last played London Welsh in February 2003 at Millmoor. The result that day was a narrow win for the home side by 18 – 12, with John Cannon and Mike Umaga scoring the tries and Ramiro Pez chipping in with a couple of penalties and a conversion.

Rotherham’s record against London Welsh in league competition is good, despite the competitive nature of their encounters. Of the eight previous meetings, Rotherham have won seven.



Roth Admin Prediction: Roth by 8



Rotherham:
15 Bernardo Stortoni, 14 Anthony Elliott, 13 Peter Jorgensen, 12 Lee Blackett, 11 David Strettle, 10 Ramiro Pez, 9 Mark Sweeney, 1 Riaan Olckers, 2 Neil Briggs, 3 John Rawson, 4 Tim Maslanyk, 5 Glen Kenworthy, 6 Des Tuiavii, 7 Craig Short ©, 8 Geraint Lewis.

Replacements
16 Jonathan Golding, 17 Rod Lathum, 18 Adam Harrington, 19 Mike Schmid, 20 Tom Rice, 21 Tom Eaton, 22 Jason Keyter.



London Welsh:
15 Matt Vines, 14 TBC, 13 Adam Bidwell, 12 Matt Cannon, 11 Geraint John, 10 Dylan Pugh (c), 9 Allen Chilten, 1 Steve Millard, 2 James Greenwood, 3 Colm Hannon, 4 Kevin Burke, 5 Dave Ramsey, 6 Lee Starling, 7 Martin Anayi, 8 Florent Rossigneux.

Replacements
16 Andy Fahey, 17 Matt Baker, 18 Adam Slade, 19 Dan Beard, 20 Owain Walbyoff, 21 Mike Whitehead, 22 John Swords.