By Stefan
February 2 2006

EARTH TITANS A-team take on a Leeds Tykes Development XV under floodlights at Herringthorpe Stadium on Friday evening (Kick-off 7.00 pm).

This is expected to be a tough game. Previous meetings at this level between these two clubs have been tight and low-scoring encounters with past games producing winning margins of less than three points; Rotherham coming out on top four times and Leeds once.

Of the players named in the starting line-up - prop forward Sam Walsh, flyhalf Mike Whitehead and centres Tom Allen and Gillan Carruthers - all have a chance to impress and make their respective claims for a bench spot against Nottingham the following day and will be looking to put in top-notch performances.

Also looking to impress will be South African speedster Dwain Brown - currently a trialist with the Titans - who has been training with the first team recently and hopes to be invited to stay.

James Waterhouse - recently returned from representing Yorkshire in the National Counties U20 Championship - comes in at lock and is joined by fellow student Carl Griffiths returning after a three month absence.
 
Rotherham/Leeds games are always thoroughly enjoyable for the spectators and played in an excellent spirit. No doubt this week's floodlit event will provide another spectacle.

The line-up for Friday is expected to be:

Earth Titans:
Gareth Brear; Dwain Brown, Tom Allen, Will Kirtley, Gillan Carruthers; Mike Whitehead, Michael Kirkwood; Jamie Kilbane, Jonny Larby, Sam Walsh, Carl Clifford, James Waterhouse, Nick Barrett, Greg Burnham, Tristan Laga.

Replacement:
Alex Drage, Peter Lewis, Gareth Morley, Tom Dixon, Mick Baillie, Andy Robinson.

Venue:
Herringthorpe Stadium.

Kick-off:
Friday, 7.00pm.