Kingstone Press League 1 Preview: North Wales Crusaders v South Wales Scorpions

North Wales Crusaders had a convincing win at Coventry Bears.

Coach Anthony Murray said: “It’s always nice to get a few points on the board and not concede too many. No disrespect to Coventry, but if I’m honest the game lacked a little bit of intensity compared to the previous week against Keighley, but we got out of it what we wanted.

“We’ve got the Welsh derby this week and South Wales seem to be competing of late. They beat London, which was a real good result especially away from home, it’s not an easy place to go. They were unlucky against Gloucester, who are no pushovers.

“We’re anticipating a real tough game. Anything can happen in a derby so we’ll be taking them very seriously but we’re hoping to get the two points to continue our push up the table.”

South Wales Scorpions coach Mike Grady said: “It was like a typical feisty derby last week against the All Golds and our young side stood up really well but the All Golds just had that extra experience that gave them the edge.

“We’re looking forward to North Wales this week. They will be looking for a win to keep in touch with the top sides. There’s no pressure on us, we will just go at there and have a go, enjoy it and give a good account of ourselves.

Forward Neil Dallimore and full-back Jonny Leather are injured and there’s a doubt over half-back Paul Emanuelli.

Props Mike Connor and Osian Phillips are back in contention and the Scorpions have also agreed to take forward Nathan Rainer on loan from the All Golds.