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League One

22 Apr 2022

Betfred League One Preview | Round 5

Betfred League One Preview | Round 5

Saturday's Betfred League One action sees the clash of still winless London Skolars and play-off hopefuls Rochdale Hornets at New River Stadium in a 3pm kick off.

Skolars are one of three still winless sides but sit top off that trio and will be hoping for a win to boost their hopes of rising up the table. Though a win wouldn't see them move up the table, it could be the kickstart their season needs.

Meanwhile Rochdale began the season with a loss at home to North Wales, but they have managed three wins in a row since then. With Rangi Chase and local product Declan Sheridan pulling the strings in the halves, they have climbed to third in the table - a win tomorrow could see them move as high as top spot with the teams above playing on Sunday.

On Sunday, North Wales Crusaders, the league leaders and one of two unbeaten sides, welcome Midlands Hurricanes to Wales in a clash of two form sides.

North Wales can count impressive wins over Swinton Lions and Rochdale Hornets in their achievements so far, but Midlands have been building well in recent weeks as back-to-back wins have taken them up to sixth place in the league.

A win for North Wales would put distance between themselves and the chasing pack, but the visitors know they could breach the top four if results elsewhere go their way.

Keighley Cougars are the league's other unbeaten side, only sitting fourth thanks to playing a game fewer than their fellow play-off chasers.

The Cougars edged out Hunslet over the Easter Weekend and will be keen to show they are the real deal in 2022 as Swinton Lions head for Cougar Park.

Swintion are second in the table but lost at home to North Wales last week and will be keen to bounce back and retain their spot on the tail of the so far all-conquering Crusaders.

The other Sunday fixture sees Oldham host Cornwall in a game which will be shown live on Our League.

After something of a slow start to 2022 for Oldham, which featured a home loss to amateurs Lock Lane in the Challenge Cup, Stuart Littler's side have shown flashes of brilliance, making waves with a 100-4 home win over West Wales two weeks ago, while they picked up a hard-fought draw with fellow play-off hopefuls Hunslet earlier in the season.

Cornwall meanwhile face the prospect of their fourth-ever match and are on the lookout for their first-ever win.

Despite some unflattering scorelines so far, the club - who feature a host of locals who are playing professional Rugby League for the first time - are showing signs of promise. Will they collect their first-ever win this weekend?

This week's Betfred League One Fixtures:

Saturday

  • London Skolars v Rochdale Hornets - 3pm

Sunday

  • North Wales Crusaders v Midlands Hurricanes - 2.30pm
  • Keighley Cougars v Swinton Lions - 3pm
  • Oldham v Cornwall - 3pm - live on Our League