Following Rochdale’s home defeat to Oldham last night Skolars now sit two places and three points behind their Lancashire rivals but with two games in hand. If Skolars win their remaining three league fixtures theywill finish third and have home advantage in the first round of the play-offs.

Skolars start their quest for third spot with a crunch match at southern rivals Hemel Stags on Sunday, who currently occupy third place and have surprised many people with the way they have adapted to life in Championship 1.

Hemel pair Shane Grady (ankle) and Chad Sharp (elbow) are both missing for the next couple of weeks as the Stags also attempt to secure a top four finish.

Stags coach Troy Perkins said: “There’s a few others we’ll have to have a look at as well. If anyone is not 100 per cent, we won’t risk them. We’ve some important games coming up.” He added: “All the pressure is on London. They’ve spent big to try to get promoted, so they’ll feel they need to be in the top three to give themselves a chance.

“We’re happy to have qualified for the play-offs, and whether that’s in fourth or fifth we can be happy with how our season is going, although we’ve still got plenty of improvement in us from last week’s game against Crusaders.”

Skolars could be unchanged from the side that beat South Wales Scorpions 30-28 last Sunday. Coach Joe Mbu said: “Hemel have got a tight pitch and that means it’s a real battle in the middle, but if we can get over that then hopefully we’ll give ourselves a chance.”

Gareth Raynor will be looking to continue his fine start with the Skolars which has seen him run in three tries in his first three appearances for the club

The teams have already met twice this season, both games at New River, with Skolars edging the Northern Rail Group match whilst Hemel took the league points on Good Friday.

The match kicks off at 3pm and we want as many Skolars fans as possible to get along and support Joe Mbu’s boys!