RUGBY LEAGUE

SOUTH Wales Ironmen RL will be looking to bounce back from last Sunday’s defeat against Hunslet when they welcome rivals Gloucester All Golds to the Wern Sports Park on Good Friday.

Head coach Phil Carleton is looking forward to the All Golds game. He said: “We always get a decent crowd in for the All Golds Derby. Courtney Davies, Lewis Reece, Morgan Evans, Chris Vitalini, Izaak Duffy, Yannick Parker and Richard Jones have all played for the All Golds at one time or another and some have a point to prove. The All Golds have a couple of former South Wales players in their side as well so it should be a cracker.”

The University of Gloucestershire-backed side raided South Wales for a number of seasons offering large contracts to attract players across the border. With the Univer- sity gradually withdraw- ing funding the All Golds have looked to bolster the squad with players from the north of Eng- land whilst the majority of the Welsh contingent returned home.

In another twist, highly respected former North Wales Crusaders head coach Anthony Murray joined the All Golds prior to the start of the 2017 season as assistant to Lee Greenwood. Murray has been credited by many as being key to the improve- ments shown by the All Golds so far this season.

All Golds will start as favourites after a decent start to the season al- though both sides lost last time out. With a short turnaround after the Hun- slet game Carleton will assess any injuries before naming his squad.

“We have one or two who picked up knocks yesterday and a couple who missed out through injury. We also have a number of reserve players who have been playing consistently well this season and will come into the reckoning. Very few players who played up in Hunslet can be certain of a start against All Golds and we have the Halifax Dual Registration to consider as well. All Golds picked up four Northerners on loan deals last week and we’ll certainly be looking at all our options to bolster the squad.”

The Ironmen season ticket offer is still available via the website www. ironmenrl.wales which allows access to all remaining home League 1 games and a replica shirt for just £75.

Kick-off on Good Friday is at 3pm at The Wern Sports Park.