(Image permission: David Morrison)
LANCASHIRE, UK – Solihull Barons will bid to spring a surprise this weekend when they face Sheffield Steeldogs in the semi-finals of the Moralee D1 play-offs.
The Barons progressed to the last four courtesy of a 9-7 aggregate victory over Solway Sharks, but the league champions will present a much stiffer test.
Ben Morgan’s side eased through their quarter-final with a 13-6 overall success against Billingham Stars to take their winning run to nine games.
Sheffield won all four meetings between the two sides during the regular season and they will fancy their chances of progressing to the final.
Hull Pirates and Telford Tigers will contest the second semi-final after making it through their last eight ties in controversial circumstances last weekend.
Both sides won their first leg matches, but the reverse fixtures were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions meaning the ties were decided on a single game.
Hull recorded victories in four of their six meetings with Telford in the league and cup this season and they will be desperate to reach the final having been pipped to the league title by Sheffield.
The two sides’ most recent meeting was in Telford at the start of March. Bobby Chamberlain (2) topped the scoring for Hull as they ran out 6-3 winners.
Telford Tigers 2 can book their place in the Laidler D2 play-offs with a victory at Blackburn Hawks 2 on Saturday.
The Tigers have smashed 54 goals past the Hawks in their three previous meetings and it would be a major surprise if they missed out on a top four spot.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Moralee D1
Saturday
Solihull Barons v Sheffield Steeldogs
Telford Tigers v Hull Pirates
Sunday
Hull Pirates v Telford Tigers
Sheffield Steeldogs v Solihull Barons
Laidler D2
Saturday
Blackburn Hawks 2 v Telford Tigers 2
Hull Jets v Sutton Sting
Sheffield Senators v Deeside Dragons 2
Sunday
Deeside Dragons 2 v Altrincham Aces
Widnes Wild v Sheffield Senators
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