Welsh derby at Treharris on Saturday

There’s a big East v West clash at Treharris RFC on Saturday as Valley Cougars host West Wales Raiders in the RFL Conference League South (kick-off 2.30pm).

Last season the honours were shared between these two clubs with one home win apiece and now, in 2016, this is both sides’ second game of the season after each losing their first match.

Cougars coach Dafydd Hellard believes that the home support could see them through what will be a tough task.

“The Raiders look to have recruited well,” he said. “Some of their players will also have learned a lot from their trip to Hull recently.

“But that’s fine by us. We’ll relish the challenge, we’ll have a big support at Treharris and everyone likes a local derby, players and fans alike.

“We know that they’ll be pumped up for the trip and wanting to get their first win on the board. Well the same goes for us. We finished top of the table last year and we still have that same core of players so we’re aiming for the same again.”

Raiders’ coach Jon Ellis said: “Although last season we both took the spoils at home, the Cougars always prove to be a formidable team, they have been applying their trade for quite a few years and have plenty of experience and bolstered with their close links to the Scorpions, we know we are in for a game.

“If we have any ambition of making the playoffs this year this is definitely one of the teams we have to prove ourselves against. Looking through the fixtures I don’t think any game is going to be easy, we were unlucky last weekend when we travelled to Nottingham. I’m sure all who watched will say the score line did not reflect the game and if the lads can continue into this weekend I’m sure we will give a good account of ourselves.”

Torfaen Tigers face another tough away trip in their second Conference League South game of 2016. After losing out to champions Nottingham Outlaws in round 1, they face an equally difficult game at Coventry Bears Reserves.

Tigers coach Kyle Scrivens said: “With the weather spoiling our off season prep, it’s another experimental line up as we try out new combinations. Coventry were one of two teams to do the double over us last year so we are keen to make amends and pick up a win on the road.”