North Wales Crusaders v London Skolars Match Preview

North Wales Crusaders v London Skolars (Sunday, Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium, 2.30pm)

North Wales Crusaders coach Clive Griffiths does not expect to have any new faces in Sunday’s squad for the visit of in-form London Skolars at The Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium (kick-off 2.30pm).

Griffiths had hoped to make at least one signing for the final few weeks of the season, but he said: “I don’t think anything’s going to happen now. All the clubs are keeping players for the play-offs, so it’s unlikely we’ll get anything done.”

Last week Crusaders beat Welsh rivals South Wales Scorpions for the second time this season, with Griffiths admitting at the time that: “I’d have snapped your hand off at the start of the season to get a double over them.”

But the former Wales coach admits Sunday’s match is likely to be an even tougher affair.

London Skolars, whose home form is amongst the best in the division, climbed up to fifth place in the Co-operative Championship One table last week a resounding victory over Rochdale Hornets, their third week in a row that they’d scored over 50 points.

Griffiths said: “They’re absolutely flying, and we’re under no illusions about the size of our task. They beat us quite comfortably when we went down to their place. Our players are determined to put it right this time.

“We’ve six wins this season and three games to go. This is our last home match of the season so we want to put on a good performance for the fans. We know that we can leapfrog London if we win on Sunday and that will put us in the play-off positions with two matches to go.

“It’s been a memorable first season for us and we’re supported by the best fans in the league. I know they’ll give us their all on Sunday, they’re like an extra man for us at The Racecourse.”

Skolars coach Joe Mbu is aiming to back up London’s 56-36 win over Rochdale with a victory that would keep them in fifth place.

Mbu said: “The players worked very hard (last week) and our discipline was spot on.”

Tickets for this exciting final game of the regular season at The Racecourse are now available. Crusaders are selling family tickets for just £10. Tickets must be bought by Friday and will be collected on the day. To buy, go to www.crusadersrfl.com.