THE Basingstoke Bison start their English Premier League title defence, with a mouth-watering home game against the Telford Tigers on Saturday evening (6.30pm).

This will see the champions of the past two seasons go head-to-head in what is sure to be a cracking encounter.

The Shropshire outfit never looked like defending their crown last season, but a major overhaul during the summer, including the signing of top Elite League British forward Matty Davies has made them real contenders this term.

The Herd come into the game after an excellent weekend which saw them complete a double over the Guildford Flames and give-up just one goal over the two games.

Head coach Doug Sheppard is under no illusion of the task ahead for his side against Telford and said: "We have played well in pre-season and we know defending our title is not going to be easy, as everyone will want to beat the reigning champions.

"Telford are sure to be one of these teams and I think it is going to be a really good game to start the season."

On Sunday evening (5.30pm) the Herd have a tricky trip to the Hull Pirates, to face a side who signed Bison forward Ryan Watt during the summer.

Sheppard said: "They are a much improved side from last year. We have struggled every time we have gone to Hull. So it is a tough opening road game and a good test for us."