THE Basingstoke Bison have a double reason to beat the Sheffield Steeldogs on Saturday (6.30pm), when they are the visitors.

As well as there being two league points available, there is also two cup points up for grabs and at the moment the Herd and Hull Pirates are in battle for last of the semi-final places.

The qualification is dictated by the results of the first games home and away, with Swindon, Peterborough and Telford already in the final four.

 


Hull currently lead the Bison by four points with the Herd having four games left starting with Sheffield, while the Pirates have three games remaining.

British forward George Norcliffe trained on Tuesday night so could be back this weekend, while import Richard Bordowski is hoping to be back soon.

After the Sheffield clash, the Bison travel to Romford to play the Raiders on Sunday (5.15pm) in what is a league clash only as they have already played the Essex side away this season.

Bison player/coach Ashley Tait said: "We played well in Sheffield and lost earlier in the season, so we will hope to put that right on Saturday.

"We have to make sure we compete from the opening face-off as we did last weekend."

He added: "We know all about the Raiders having only played them last Saturday on home ice and won.

"I am sure they will want to turn on the tables on us this time."