Regular season ends in Halifax

ROCHDALE Hornets are set for their final match of the regular season this weekend when they make the trip to the Shay to take on Halifax.

Hornets are bottom of the Betfred Championship table, having won four of their 22 matches so far this season.

They share the same amount of points as Swinton, but Rochdale’s inferior points difference leaves them bottom.

Halifax have been in good form as of late, and have defied a lot of odds to currently sit fourth in the division, giving them a great opportunity to take part in the Qualifiers throughout the summer and potentially book a place in Super League next season.

Hornets will be competing in the Championship Shield following the conclusion of this weekend’s game, with the team hoping to avoid relegation back to League One.

Alan Kilshaw’s side head into the match with Halifax on the back of two straight defeats, losing 54-32 at home to Leigh Centurions a fortnight ago before following that up with a 52-10 loss to Toronto Wolfpack in Canada last weekend.

Kilshaw said after that game: “A fantastic experience for Hornets, not the result we wanted but plenty of heart and guts.

“Thank you Toronto for the incredible opportunity for staff and players.”

Halifax have won five of their last six matches heading into Sunday’s game, including a hardfought 19-14 win against Toulouse Olympique last weekend.

Hornets and Halifax have already met once earlier this season, with Hornets suffering a 26-20 at the Crown Oil Arena back in February.