WITH the relegation play-offs just a fortnight away Bees centre Ben Barkley gets a final chance to impress against Rotherham on Sunday.

The 22-year-old joined from National One outfit Stourbridge in the summer but has so far failed to nail down a regular place in Russell Earnshaw’s team.

The former Worcester trainee gets to make just his tenth start in the final British & Irish Cup clash against Titans this weekend and he will be one of several players looking to force their way into the director of rugby’s plans.

He will do so alongside Will Lawson, the team-mate with whom he shared the highlight of his stop-start season. The two were in partnership for Bees’ biggest win of the season – the 38-16 victory over Esher last October.

“We looked a really good side that day,” Barkley said. “And we have shown that throughout the season. The performance we put in against Worcester last week was one we should be proud of and one we can take into this game with Rotherham.”

But, as he has found out since leaving Stourton Park, it will not be an easy afternoon whichever team Titans send out.

“There is definitely a noticeable difference physicality and fitness wise,” Barkley admitted. “Maybe I have struggled to bridge that trying to convert from lower league and establish the confidence of playing at a higher level from scratch.”

“I would have loved more game time because I have not played every single game and that’s everyone’s aim and to start all the important games.

“Injuries have been a factor but I would not want that to be an excuse - I don’t think I can look back and regret anything about not being picked.

“I would say in the majority of cases I was happy with the games I played although nothing is ever perfect.

“I would love to stay at Bees but it all depends on us staying up first.” And Barkley is hoping to have a more active role in helping them do just that.