Race for fourth in Conference League South reaches conclusion

The equation is simple this Saturday for West Wales Raiders. If they beat Nottingham Outlaws at Stebonheath Park in Llanelli (kick-off 2.30pm) then they will still finish in fourth place in Conference League South.

Should they fall at home again, like they did against Valley Cougars a fortnight ago, then the winner of the Gloucestershire All Golds v Torfaen Tigers will instead finish in fourth place.

The reward for whoever grabs that elusive spot, is a trip to Valley Cougars next Saturday 10^th September, in the competition’s semi-finals.

The Raiders’ season was saved last month after a dramatic 38-36 win at Torfaen Tigers. Had they lost that, then they would already officially be out of the running and their coach Jon Ellis isn’t going to let this second chance that they’ve been given, slip away.

He said: “It’s been a strange season where we have played some quality games and although the results haven’t always gone in our favour, luckily we find ourselves in contention for the play-offs.

“Last year it was Nottingham who knocked us out of the play-offs to go on and win the Grand Final so hopefully this weekend will be a different story.

“The game in the west is growing and a number of junior players have managed to get game time against some top teams in the league which will only help develop the sport for the future.

“This is the last game this season at Stebonheath Park before the Wales take on Serbia in the World Cup qualifier on Saturday 15^th October, so we are hoping to go out with a win.”

Outlaws are already confirmed in third place in the league and face a trip to London Chargers in the play-off semi-finals next week.

Torfaen know that a win is essential but even that may not be enough for them.

Torfaen Tigers’ coach Kyle Scrivens, said: “It’s been a long challenging season for the first team and it’s testament to how hard the coaches have worked, and how deep the boys have dug, that we find ourselves still in the mix on the eve of the last game.

“It is pleasing to see that the time and effort we have invested into junior development over the past two seasons is starting to bear fruit with several them pushing hard for inclusion this weekend.”