By Peter Creek
April 19 2007

Leeds Tykes are National Division One champions and Rotherham can only finish second at best. This weekend’s fixture no longer has the "title decider" tag attached to it and therefore it will be a dull end of season affair.

Anyone subscribing to the above hypothesis knows very little about these two clubs and how much this fixture means to both of them. When the Titans turned Leeds over in the mud back in December there developed a feeling, amongst players and fans alike, that this was unfinished business; a feeling that the Tykes could beat Rotherham on a decent pitch with grass on it. Nothing has happened since then to change anyone’s opinion.

Earth Titans have a very able coach in Andre Bester. He has assembled a fine squad of players who have defied all the odds, for a team of part-timers, and pushed the Tykes all the way to week 28 before ceding the title. Bester announced that he was parting company with the Titans whilst they were still in with a chance of promotion. One can only surmise that the club could not match his ambitions. This was followed by a number of player-departures being announced with several more rumoured to be talking to other clubs. While the club appears to be imploding off the field Bester’s men always put in 100% on it. The qualities that Bester brings out in his players are those which the Tykes’ management most admire. Titans captain Joe Bedford joins the Tykes next season with several members of the Titans much vaunted pack also in talks with the Leeds club.

Leeds have found a remarkable coach in Stuart Lancaster. He stepped up to the plate at a time of crisis for the club and has not been found wanting in any department. His first season as coach has seen a new squad develop into a close-knit unit with a strong sense of purpose and a great team spirit. Stuart has only brought in players who have something to prove. The defeat at Clifton Lane actually kick-started the Tykes drive for the title – the lessons were learned and the team moved on. Since that day Leeds remain unbeaten in the league and their game has developed fluidity where forwards and backs interlink seamlessly, producing enjoyable rugby for their fans.

So what can we expect on Sunday? Both packs will be out to prove a point. Titans will want to show that the earlier game was no fluke. The Tykes eight know that it was and want to set matters straight. Despite their penchant for 10-man rugby Titans do have a cutting edge in their backs. The HC pitch will be the perfect stage for them to show that they can play an open game – if they dare! Not many teams have gone to Leeds and played open rugby. Those that have, Nottingham being an example, have surprised a Tykes defence not accustomed to facing long spells of tackling. Not, that is, until the return of Andre Snyman back in December. Sunday could well be his last game at Headingley-Carnegie and he will want to go out on a high.

I expect a hard fought battle up front. Points will be at a premium. Both Steenson and Hinton will need to be on top form with the boot. Leeds have the edge in the backs. They will want to end their home campaign with a victory and I take them to win by one score.