South Wales Hornets will play its first ever home game as Warrington Wizards visit Blackwood on Sunday (2.30pm kick-off).
Wales’ flagship community rugby league side has had a mixed start to life in Conference Three; an opening day win over St Albans Centurions was followed by a 52-6 defeat to Hemel Stags, but with both games on the road head coach John Ellis is eager to see his side put a marker down this weekend.
“We had a false start [the Hornets’ initial home game with Coventry Bears was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch] but on Sunday we’ll finally be able to have a hit out at Blackwood.
“Despite the score line against Hemel there were a number of positives, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how we bounce back this weekend.”
The season is still in its infancy but there have already been cases of teams being weaker on the road – unfortunately that was the case for the Hornets last Sunday – but Ellis believes the travelling has had a positive effect on his fledgling side.
“The travelling has helped in some respects; it’s helped integrate new members of the squad and knit what is essentially a brand new squad together.
“But make no mistake it will be great to play at home for the first time. We want to make Blackwood a tough place for teams to come and there’s no better time for that to start than Sunday.”
*Tickets for South Wales Hornets’ first ever home game are priced at £5 with concessions at £3. All under 16s go free, ensuring that supporting Wale only team in the National Conference is a fun, family outing.