JUST 18 months after the result that turned a title race on its head, Rotherham Titans and Leeds Tykes renew acquaintances in a league match for the first time this afternoon.

On March 23, 2004, Rotherham defeated Leeds 32-26 at Clifton Lane. It was a result that completed the Titans’ ambushing of the Tykes’ promotion ambitions.

Leeds had led National Two North all season, winning 100 per cent of their games up to that point, including a home date with Rotherham.

But the Titans were like a dog with a bone and never gave in. Their victory gave them a sniff and when Leeds slipped up again a few weeks later, Rotherham were there to capitalise and win the league and promotion.

Remember when: Rotherham Titans defeat Leeds Tykes in March 2024 on the way to promotion. (Picture: Kerrie Beddows)

placeholder image — Remember when: Rotherham Titans defeat Leeds Tykes in March 2024 on the way to promotion. (Picture: Kerrie Beddows)

Twelve months later, Leeds went one better and won the fourth-tier title, so ensuring a reunion with their Yorkshire rivals. And the fixture schedulers have played ball, pairing the two at Clifton Lane in the second game of the National One season.

Rotherham go in as favourites having finished third last season and started this campaign with an impressive win at Sale FC.

Leeds’s third-tier return was rather more sobering, suffering a thumping 45-12 home defeat by Plymouth Albion.

Harvey Biljon’s Titans are much changed from the team that last welcomed Leeds to Clifton Lane.

Rotherham Titans director of rugby Harvey Biljon. (Picture: Kerrie Beddows)

“Going from winning National Two North, which came out of left-field a little bit because people expected Leeds to, we did hold a fair bit of continuity into the next season,” said Biljon (pictured).

“It’s the nature of the beast that some players who have contributed a huge amount would find it the right time to step away. I didn’t want them to, they’ve been fantastic contributors.”

Leeds, contrastingly, will have a familiar look, their management team led by director of rugby Peter Seabourne opting to go with the players who fell out of National One two years ago but got them back up at the second time of asking.

This mouthwatering clash is not the only derby day in Yorkshire. In National Two North, ambitious Sheffield RUFC visit neighbours Sheffield Tigers while out east, Hull Ionians welcome Hull with both clubs looking for their first win.