League 1 reaches its conclusion

This weekend sees the final weekend of League 1 this season, brought to a premature end due to the play-offs being cancelled.

Hurricanes and Thunder clash

It's a clash of the weather systems for Newcastle Thunder this weekend as they travel to Midlands Hurricanes. Midlands will be disappointed with the result at Dewsbury last weekend and will look for a backlash performance against a Thunder team who have put in improved performances in recent weeks.

Midlands sit in sixth place in League 1 and will be disappointed with how the second half of their season has gone. In the first half they were strong and looked likely to be in the top four, although they only sit just off it their results have dropped off in the second half. But as a club, having Championship opponents will be exciting for them next season and will hopefully help to continue the growth of the game in the midlands.

As for Thunder, it's frustrating that the season is coming to an end given the recent improved performances. The challenge and my concern for this one is can they back up the recent performances again. It would be great if they push Midlands hard tomorrow and cause them problems, we know they're capable of this. But I'd expect Midlands to come out on top here.

Workington travel to Goole

This could be a good game, with Workington sat in and assured of second place and Goole playing their final home game in what has been a successful first season for them. Arguably, Goole at home have more to play for and Workington could get complacent and think their hard work is done this season. In saying that, it'll be a feisty encounter and I think Workington will get the job done, just!

The champions head to Cumbria

Whitehaven host the deserved champions, North Wales. I think North Wales will win this one but they'll be pleased to be travelling knowing that the championship is secured. Whitehaven have had a re-buiild and will hope that it bodes well for next season, but as with all League 1 clubs it'll be a bigger challenge next season. For North Wales, they've put their marker down by showing an interest in Super League. I don't think that will come to anything this time round but they will continue to aim for this in the future.

Hornets host rams

In the game of the weekend, Rochdale host Dewsbury in what sees fourth hosting fifth place, if the play-offs had been a thing still this would've been a gargantuan encounter. The winner here takes fourth place, the loser will feel they've had a disappointing season. I did think Rochdale may've been challenging at the very top this season given how well they went last season. Dewsbury were a bit more of an unknown given their relegation. I'm going to back Rochdale at home here in the League 1 game of the day but it will be very close!