WITH just four matches remaining in their league campaign, Sedgley Tigers coach Geoff Roberts is hoping his side can finish the season on a high by clinching third place in National Division Two North.
With Hull Ionians and Ampthill almost assured of claiming the two top positions in the league, the Tigers coach wants his side to be the best of the rest and pip nearest rivals, and Saturday's opponents Caldy, into the top three.
The teams are level on 79 points going into the match at Park Lane with the Tigers ahead on points difference, and Roberts is hoping his side can avenge November's 40-34 defeat.
"They beat us quite convincingly at their place earlier in the season. We did come back at the end but they won it comfortably really," he told the Bury Times.
"We weren't playing well at the time but hopefully we can put that right this time around.
"I'm pretty confident. We are going quite well at the moment and we've got home advantage.
"It's charity day too so hopefully we can perform and raise our game for that."
The Tigers, who are unbeaten since the end of January, have been in good form in recent weeks but the long season has taken its toll on the players with several missing the game through injury.
"We really are going to be thread bear but hopefully we will do enough to win it," said Roberts.
"Chris Parrott dislocated his elbow in the win over Huddersfield last week and Rob Holloway also hurt his foot.
"Matt Lamprey is unavailable but on the plus side we do have Richard Wainwright coming back.
"That's a bonus for us. He played half a game for the second team at the weekend and he came through it well.
"New signing Jack Corr, who is yet to play for the first team this season after injurying his shoulder in pre-season also came through, so he'll probably be involved because of the problems we currently have at second row.
"We know what to expect from Caldy. They are a hardworking team across the board but if we turn it on a bit we will beat them I'm certain of that, even with the injuries."
If the Tigers can win they will be in pole position to claim third in the table with just three games - against Otley, Hull and Broadstreet - remaining, but Roberts knows his side need to be careful against potential slip ups.
"Obviously any game can be a potential banana skin," he said.
"Even Hull could be a tricky one as they've put in some good results in recent weeks and the game against Otley will be a tough test.
"Broadstreet are going very well and have put a few teams to bed recently.
"But the guys know what they are up against. They've just got to focus on it and get the job done.
"Then we'll see what we can do for next year."
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