Raiders are handed a tough start

By arjones

NORTH DEVON Raiders will begin life in the Co-Operative Rugby League Conference with a home game on the weekend of May 8 and 9.

The club have been given a tough task in their first season, in an all-Devon Group B of the South West Division.

As a result, they will play home and away against last year's Grand Final winners Devon Sharks; East Devon Eagles, who reached the final by topping the division with a 100% record and won the South West Cup; and Plymouth Titans, champions in 2007 and Devon Cup winners in 2008.

Raiders will also play once against the four Group A teams — Exeter Centurions, Somerset Vikings, South Somerset Warriors and South Dorset Giants.

The eight clubs will be grouped together in the South West Division table.

The leaders at the end of the 10-game season will go straight into the Grand Final where they will meet the winners of a preliminary final between the second and third-placed teams.

This year's final will be played at Exhibition Fields in Exeter on August 8.

Raiders spokesman Keith Fillingham said: "We have a tough task ahead with four games against last season's Grand Finalists, while the Titans will be no pushover if they return to their 2008 form.

"Our first home game is due to be played on the weekend of May 8 and 9 so we have four and a bit months to get everything ready — all help would be gratefully received".

The Raiders' next meeting was due to be held at the Corner House in Barnstaple on Sunday but has been cancelled because of the weather.

For more information about the Raiders, see the club's website or send an e-mail to mail@north devon rugbyleague.com.