 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
News
 |
THE GAME IS DEFINITELY ON
THE GAME IS DEFINITELY ON
Knights v Titans at Castle Park on Saturday at 2.00pm
This most eagerly anticipated match for years will have a significant bearing on the promotion race in National One, never mind the South Yorkshire bragging rights currently held by Doncaster after their thrilling 35-34 victory over Rotherham late last season. That game marked the moment that Doncaster finally came to terms with rugby at this level, and the progress since that day has been stunning. Going into this weekend, the Knights have won eight games in a row and lie second, two points behind Leeds Tykes (who have to play the Titans next weekend at Clifton Lane), and a win coupled with favourable results elsewhere could mean the Knights being top of the table over Xmas – something not even the most diehard of Castle Park fans could have envisaged!
The interest in this game is unprecedented, with the Sundays and National press turning up in droves and a number of feature articles being compiled. Television interest adds to the occasion. In the club house, the pre match lunch was sold out weeks ago and over 450 will sit down to the full seasonal treat, with brass band and Santa in attendance. For those unable to book in, extra outside catering has been arranged for what is set up to be the weekend of the season at Castle Park. Hopefully the game will attract a record crowd, with suggestions of over 1000 supporters from Rotherham and advance ticket sales at record levels. Entrance on the day will be ok with terracing tickets at £10 and usual concessions available.
Clive Griffiths elects to stick with the 22 man squad that won so well last Sunday at Nottingham, but with two changes between bench and starting line up. Both Cook brothers, Dan and Ollie, move to the bench to accommodate Glen Kenworthy and Simon Grainger in the pack. The backs are unchanged. New signing Ben Gollings, who made a ten minute debut off the bench at Nottingham, is on the bench again but will feature at some stage on the day. It also means that six former Rotherham players are in the line up, which will add extra spice to the occasion and call the loyalty of some older Rotherham fans into question!
The Police have asked that fans be encouraged to come early and, where possible, avoid approaching from the racecourse as Rovers are also in action at Belle Vue for the final time. Traffic will be unusually heavy in that area. Kick off at castle Park is at 2.00pm.
The Castle Park ground will be covered over night Friday after frost is out of the ground during the day, but a precautionary pitch inspection will be made Saturday morning at 11am if there is any doubt about the ground. The pre match lunches will go ahead whatever the match decision.
The corresponding “A” team game is being played on Friday evening at Clifton Lane (7.30pm), Rotherham, weather permitting.
Knights: Carter, Davies, Davey, Cannon, Van Vuuren, Woodrow, Jones, Bunting, Boden, Rawson, Gross, Kenworthy, Grainger, Forster, Earnshaw.
Bench: Tau, Phillips, Cook D, Cook O, Scully, Gollings, Hunt.
Referee: Bruce Robertson (RFU)
Other News Articles
KNIGHTS 16 V WELSH 31
MATCH REPORT 07/09/08
MACMILLAN FUND RAISING
AXV V WORCESTER
