Rotherham know they have edge on Leeds in title race
LAST weekend’s action resulted in advantage Rotherham Titans in the National Two North title race as rivals Leeds Tykes dropped points, and head coach Gareth Lewis credits his side’s formidable home record for being in pole position with a game to spare.
Leeds had led the way from the off going on a 22-match win streak which saw them accumulate an incredible 962 points, averaging 44 per game.
However, the wheels have come off for Pete Seabourne’s Tykes losing two of their last three after Rotherham stayed in the hunt throughout with an impressive record of their own.
Rotherham are unbeaten at home since February 2023 and their only loss this season was to Leeds back in November.
Fylde saw off Leeds 18-15 last time out, while Rotherham took advantage with a 67-20 victory against Preston Grasshoppers, and yesterday’s 36-14 triumph away at south Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Tigers put the Titans at the summit for the first time, and at a crucial stage in the campaign.
Former Huddersfield boss Lewis has formed a key partnership with ex-Jersey Reds director of rugby Harvey Biljon, who has been working with the club on a consultancy basis since the pair took over from Gary in October.
Lewis told The Rugby Paper: “We’re delighted. The league table turned on its head on Saturday, we hoped Fylde would do us a favour and knew they had a good game in them. As it panned out they did do us a big favour and opened up the door for us to take advantage in the next couple of games.
“This league run goes far beyond when Harvey (Biljon) and I arrived, so it’s full credit to the club as a whole and specificalcause the players who have been fantastic all season. It’s a record we’re very proud of at Clifton Lane. The momentum has built throughout the season, the performance levels have improved as we’ve gone on and I think it’s a difficult place for opposition sides to come and play rugby.”
Lewis feels that Leeds’ slip up showcases the competitiveness and quality of National Two North, with every side needing to be on their game if they are to be victorious and that’s why he’s cautious heading into their final outing away at Billingham on Saturday, who are fighting for points at the other end of the table.
He added: “It’s a great level of rugby with some quality teams. The majority of sides can beat one another on any given day but for us it’s the old cliche of taking one game at a time.
“Yesterday showed that as there’s not many bigger than our south Yorkshire derby with Sheffield Tigers.
“We know what’s at stake next week but we haven’t looked ahead to it yet because we’ve operated throughout the season on a week by week basis. It’s an exciting two weeks for us, we’d hoped it would come down to this but we were never really sure as Leeds are an outstanding team.
“It’s in our hands and we intend to give it everything to secure the league title for the club and the fans.”