Rotherham Titans head to the North West this Saturday for what promises to be a compelling National 1 encounter, as they take on Sedgley Park at Park Lane (2:30pm kick-off).
The league leaders arrive in outstanding form following one of their most emphatic performances of the season.
Last time out, Titans produced a scintillating display to dismantle fellow top side Rams 80-7 at Clifton Lane. Running in 12 tries, it was a statement victory that not only showcased Titans attacking firepower but also reinforced their ambitions to remain in the mix at the top.
That bonus-point win ensured Rotherham maintained their place at the summit of National 1, keeping them four points clear of nearest challengers Plymouth and Blackheath as the season approaches its decisive final stages. With little margin for error at the top, every game carries huge significance—and this weekend is no exception.
However, despite the confidence gained from last week’s result, Rotherham will be under no illusions about the challenge awaiting them. Sedgley Park may find themselves towards the lower end of the table, but their league position does not reflect the competitiveness they have shown throughout the campaign.
Fighting for survival, Sedgley have developed a reputation this season as one of the toughest sides to put away. A number of their defeats have come by the finest of margins, underlining both their resilience and their ability to remain in contests deep into the final quarter. Recent narrow losses to Moseley by just two points and Tonbridge Juddians by three are prime examples of how close they have come to turning performances into results.
With their National 1 status still within reach, Sedgley will see this fixture as an opportunity rather than a burden. Victory on Saturday, followed by another positive result in their final game against Rams, could be enough to secure survival. That sense of urgency—and belief—will only add to the intensity they bring at Park Lane.
Rotherham also have recent experience of just how difficult Sedgley can be. In the reverse fixture at Clifton Lane just before Christmas, Titans were given a stern examination for much of the contest. Sedgley led until just before the hour mark, matching Rotherham physically and disrupting their rhythm. It was only in the latter stages that the hosts were able to pull away, eventually securing the win with a late flourish.
That game serves as a clear warning: if Rotherham are not at their clinical best, Sedgley are more than capable of causing problems.
Historically, this fixture has rarely been straightforward. Meetings between the two sides have often been closely fought, physical encounters, and the head-to-head record reflects that balance. From 17 previous clashes, Rotherham hold a slight advantage with nine wins to Sedgley’s six, alongside two draws. It is a record that highlights the competitive nature of this matchup over the years.
For Rotherham, the challenge will be to replicate the intensity and execution that defined last weekend’s performance. If they can impose their attacking structure and maintain discipline, they will back themselves to secure another crucial victory in their push for the title.
For Sedgley, the equation is simple: everything is on the line. With survival still a realistic target, they will be desperate to harness home advantage and deliver a performance that could define their season.
With contrasting ambitions but equal motivation, Saturday’s clash at Park Lane has all the ingredients of a gripping National 1 contest.
Going into the game, Rotherham have made one change to the starting XV that beat Rams.
In the front row hooker Luke Cole comes in for Morgan Veness and he will be flanked by Alastair Donkor at loosehead prop with Andrew Foster at tighthead.
In second row Curran Maguire will link up with Harry Gilson-Fox, whilst in the back row John Okafor is at blindside, with skipper Harry Newborn on the openside and Callum Bustin at number 8.
The backline sees a half back combination of JB Bruzulier at scrum half and Rob Povey at fly half.
Lloyd Hayes and Mitchell Lacey-Babalola maintain their partnership in midfield.
The back three is made up with Jackson Barling on the right wing, with James Norman on the left wing, and Isaac Shaw at full back.
Speaking ahead of the match Harvey Biljon said:
"This is a tricky fixture, and we have trained really hard this week so that we are ready.
"We have done our due diligence on Sedgley Park because as we all know, this league can throw up lots of surprises and when people are competing at the top and the bottom of the league even more so.
"Sedgley have lots play for. It's going to be emotional for them, so we are going to have to be on it.
"I want us to build on how we played against Rams; our defensive performance against a team that wanted to play and how we stuck at our defence until the transition opportunity came about was pretty special.
It was part of our preparation through the week, and our players executed it really well."
Titans: 15 Isaac Shaw, 14 Jackson Barling, 13 Lloyd Hayes, 12 Mitchell Lacey-Babalola 11 James Norman, 10 Rob Povey, 9 JB Bruzulier, 1 Alastair Donkor, 2 Luke Cole, 3 Andrew Foster, 4 Curran Maguire, 5 Harry Gilson-Fox, 6 John Okafor, 7 Harry Newborn (Capt.), 8 Callum Bustin.
Replacements: 16 Morgan Veness, 17 Calvin Mitchell, 18 Xavier Valentine, 19 Jack Baldry, 20 Sinjin Broad.
