Grant out of derby clash

South Wales Scorpions' Dalton Grant misses Sunday's Co-Operative Championship 1 derby against North Wales Crusaders with a suspected broken ankle clash along with Alun Wyn Davies and Jason Howells.

South Wales Scorpions coach Dave Clark is looking for a major improvement on last week's display, when his side lost 64-6 at London Skolars.

Clark said: "We're a little bit disappointed with what we achieved at London, but we did have a couple of 18-year-olds in the side who really played well and put their hands up."

He added: "It's going to be a challenge to get a side together this week.

"We'll bring some of the Under-18s up and give them an opportunity against the Crusaders. It's another opportunity for the young players to have a go and look towards next season."

Jamie Clark is missing for Crusaders due to personal reasons, while Dave McConnell's availability needs to be checked in line with his work commitments.

North Wales Crusaders coach Clive Griffiths said: "It's an exciting game. Both teams are desperate for a win and Welsh bragging rights.

"Scorpions are very strong out of dummy half, they've two good hookers in Mossop and Parry, and they've a couple of big boys in the middle as well as a couple of good rugby union recruits. I don't think there'll be much in it.

"They'll be hurt by last week's loss at London and any team worth their salt will come back and show some grit. They're a wounded animal."