Gloucestershire Warriors

To promote the game in Northampton the Demons will host the Warriors in their Midlands Premier division fixture in front of a host of interested sponsors and spectators.

The game was originally scheduled for Northampton Town’s Sixfields Stadium, which is due to host the new professional club, the Rebels, next season but the arrangements fell through and the Demons’ home for this season, Bugbrooke RFC will host the encounter on Sunday afternoon.

The Demons sit at the top of the table having lost just once this season but have not played for the last two weeks owing to cry-offs and they will be champing at the bit to get back into competitive action.

Meanwhile, the Warriors earned their third win of the season with a fine 50-18 victory at Coventry Bears and will be looking to take the momentum from that performance into the game with the Demons who have already beaten them twice this season.

“We have improved against them each time”, says Warriors head coach Steve Lee. “We know they are a strong, physical team and we need to maintain our discipline and concentrate on our game. If we can stand up to them then we are capable of causing them plenty of problems.

“Realistically, the Demons and the Storm are the best sides in this league but I know we are capable of competing with them. They will be fired up for this game as it is a big chance to showcase themselves in front of a good crowd”.

After a heavy loss to Bristol Sonics A last week, The Warriors’ second string play their rearranged game with Swindon St George at Sandyleaze this Saturday (2.30pm).

Last week’s loss makes it difficult for the Warriors to qualify for the play-offs as they would need a good win over Swindon this weekend and a victory away at a much-improved Oxford Cavaliers side in their final league game of the season to stand a chance of creeping into the top three.

“It’s a challenge to make the play-offs,” said manager Ben Whincup. “But we mustn’t look too far ahead. We need the result against Swindon and have to concentrate on getting that. Only after this weekend can we begin to think about Oxford”.