Rotherham Titans Post Leeds Tykes Loss: Promotion Focus

Key Points

• Leeds Tykes defeated Rotherham Titans 19-18 in a pre-Christmas Yorkshire derby at Headingley Stadium, claiming local bragging rights.​
• Despite the narrow one-point loss, Rotherham Titans remain top of the National One league table ahead of the post-Christmas resumption.​
• Titans director of rugby Harvey Biljon urges supporters to focus on the bigger picture of promotion rather than dwelling on the derby defeat.​
• The match featured tries from Titans’ Luke Cole and Callum Bustin, with Lloyd Hayes adding 8 points; Leeds scored through Albert Bradshaw (2) and Nathan Greenwood.​
• Leeds utilised dual-registered players from Sale Sharks, including Bradshaw and Greenwood, contributing to their victory.​
• Rotherham demonstrated resilience, weathering early pressure and briefly taking the lead in the second half before Leeds’ late response.​
• Biljon acknowledges Leeds’ enthusiasm and the impact of their Premiership players post-match.​
• Titans aim to maintain their strong home record at Clifton Lane in the promotion push.​

Rotherham Titans suffer narrow defeat to rivals Leeds Tykes

Leeds Tykes secured a thrilling 19-18 victory over league leaders Rotherham Titans in the pre-Christmas Yorkshire derby at Headingley Stadium. The one-point margin highlighted the intensity of the local rivalry, with Tykes claiming bragging rights on their home turf.​

As detailed in the official Titans match report on titans-rugby.com, Rotherham crashed to defeat on a cool afternoon at Headingley, where the West Yorkshire side outscored them three tries to two. Leeds’ tries came from dual-registered Sale Sharks wingers Albert Bradshaw, who scored twice, and Nathan Greenwood, with conversions by Turagabeci.​

Titans responded with tries from Luke Cole and Callum Bustin, while fly-half Lloyd Hayes contributed two penalties and one conversion for 8 points total. Referee Jack Moorhouse officiated, assisted by Ian Farrell and Jason Garrick.​

What led to Leeds Tykes’ victory over Rotherham Titans?

The match began with Leeds exerting enormous pressure on Rotherham in the opening 30 minutes, yet Titans’ heroic defence kept them scoreless initially. As reported on titans-rugby.com, Leeds broke through when scrum-half Ewan Laughton grubber-kicked for Bradshaw’s first try, followed by a second after a Titans defensive mix-up, both converted by Turagabeci.​

Lloyd Hayes knocked over a penalty for Rotherham shortly after, but Leeds led at half-time. Just before the break, Luke Cole scored Titans’ first try after a massive pack drive, though Hayes missed the conversion.​

Four minutes into the second half, Hayes’ second penalty reduced the gap to one point, shifting momentum. Callum Bustin then barged over from a quick tap penalty for a converted try, giving Titans a brief lead.​

How did Rotherham Titans fight back in the second half?

Rotherham enjoyed more possession and territory post-half-time, converting pressure into points. However, missed opportunities to extend the lead allowed Leeds to regroup.​

Eleven minutes from time, Nathan Greenwood’s pace secured Leeds’ third try and a converted score, reclaiming the lead at 19-18. Titans pushed late but could not overcome the deficit, with Leeds deserving the win through unwavering desire.​

Leeds Tykes’ match report on leeds-tykes.com describes their performance as committed and disciplined, securing a crucial victory over the league leaders.​

What did Harvey Biljon say after the Leeds Tykes defeat?

Post-match, Titans director of rugby Harvey Biljon commented on titans-rugby.com:

“We knew going in league positioning goes out of the window when you play in derby games and give credit to Leeds for the amount of enthusiasm they brought to the match.”​

Biljon continued:

“I think the players they brought in from the Premiership made a massive difference to them, whilst at the same time we knew those challenges were coming and we had to combat that.”​

He added:

“In the first half we weathered a huge amount of pressure; they scored two tries, both came from our mistakes, but we worked our way back into the game.”​

Why is Rotherham Titans still better placed in National One?

Despite the loss, Rotherham Titans remain top of National One. As per Yorkshire RFU league table data, after 14 matches, Titans lead with 6 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses, 514 points scored, and 56 points total.​

Leeds Tykes sit second with 3 wins, 2 draws, 9 losses, and fewer points. Rotherham ended 2025 top despite the shock defeat, per social media reports.​

Historical context shows Titans’ dominance: in 2023/24, they won promotion with 25 wins from 26, pipping Leeds.​

What are Harvey Biljon’s ambitions for Rotherham Titans?

As reported by Nick Westby of the Yorkshire Post, Titans director of rugby Harvey Biljon urges Rotherham supporters not to forget their strong position post-derby loss. Biljon emphasises the bigger picture: losing by a point to long-time rivals at Headingley, coinciding with Leeds revealing ambitions to return to the second tier, smarts, but promotion solace prevails.

Biljon, ex-Jersey Reds coach, brings Championship experience, enjoying the transition to National One challenges. By Ciara Fearn of The Rugby Paper, Biljon stated on squad building: enjoying challenges from professional to semi-pro setup.​

Titans target a 19th successive home win at Clifton Lane, a fortress since February 2023.​

Who are the key players in the Leeds Tykes vs Rotherham Titans rivalry?

Standouts included Leeds’ Albert Bradshaw (2 tries), Nathan Greenwood (try), and Ewan Laughton (grubber assist). For Titans, Luke Cole, Callum Bustin, and Lloyd Hayes shone.​

Dual-registrations from Sale Sharks proved pivotal for Leeds.​

What is the context of National One promotion race?

National One restarted post-Christmas with Rotherham refocusing on promotion. Titans marked their centenary with prior promotion under Biljon.​

Biljon called it a “fairy-tale” promotion in centenary season. Current standings favour Titans for Championship push.​

Leeds aim higher, leveraging Headingley and ambitions.​

How does this defeat impact Rotherham Titans’ season?

Biljon stresses moving on, per Yorkshire Post. No easy games in National One, as past reports note.​

Titans remain frontrunners, with Biljon’s leadership key. Supporters urged to back the promotion bid this weekend.