Bester urges caution ahead of revenge mission against Pirates

The Pirates put 91 points on the Titans in their two meetings in the pool phase of the promotion play-offs last season, with the 67-14 drubbing at Mennaye Field one that particularly wrankles with Bester.

Since that sobering play-off period for Rotherham, they have made an excellent start to the 2011-12 campaign with last Saturday’s 44-6 win over leaders Bristol taking them above Pirates and into second.

And on their return to Mennaye Field tomorrow, Bester is hoping March’s heavy defeat will serve as an incentive.

“It’s taken into account,” he said of how he has prepared his side this week. “I didn’t like that feeling, I remember it well.

“We have to set the record straight and kick on.”

Despite the added motivation, the South African is cautioning that his blossoming side do not become too big for their boots.

Rotherham have surprised many with not only the amount of scalps they have taken this season, but the manner in which they have done it.

But Bester warned: “The important thing is to not start thinking we are great, because we are not.

“You’re only as good as your next match and that for us is Pirates. It’s important for us to be humble in defeat and humble in victory.

“We’ve still got to go out there and earn respect. How do you earn respect, by working hard and training hard.”

Robin Copeland, Titans’ outstanding player in the mauling of Bristol, was not part of the squad that lost so heavily on their last visit to Cornwall, but said: “Just because the team didn’t do as well last year doesn’t mean anything this term.

“This is a whole new team and we are a bunch of players that know we can go on and do well.”

The game will be beamed back live to the Titans clubhouse tomorrow afternoon.

Bester has made two changes. Adrian Griffiths is replaced by Barney Maddison in the pack and Jamie Kilbane makes way for Shane Cahill at No 8.

In National One, Wharfedale look to end a two-game losing streak when they host Sedgley Park.

Centre Tom Davidson’s return to match fitness is timely, given Joel Gill broke his ankle last Saturday.

With Dan Hart ruled out with a knee injury sustained at Stourbridge, Simon Horsfall continues at full-back and James Druce continues on the wing.