Valley Cougars have a must-win game against Leicester Storm tomorrow, July 16, at Nelson RFC to secure second place in the Conference League South and gain a home draw in the play-offs.
The Cougars will take on Nottingham Outlaws in the play-off semi-finals as the two teams are guaranteed to finish in second and third, but with just two points between them and just two games to play, a win is vital for the Cougars to play at home.
Leicester have play-off ambitions of their own. They need just one win to qualify in fourth place so they’ll be desperate to secure this in the penultimate week of the league season.
Cougars’ coach Paul Emanuelli said: “We return to Nelson RFC, my home club for a National Conference South fixture for the first time in four years, against a very good Leicester Storm team.
“We’ve managed to beat them in our two previous fixtures but both games have been extremely tight so I’m expecting another tough day at the office.
“Nelson are going all out for this game and are promoting it well in the town, so there should be a great atmosphere and hopefully a good day all round.
“We’re pretty much at full strength this week so myself and Dafydd Hellard have got a tough selection for the game.”