WORCESTER Raiders will hope to avenge last season's play-off final defeat when Hereford Pegasus come to Sixways on Saturday afternoon.

The game is a repeat of last season's Hellenic League Division One Play-Off Final when Pegasus beat Raiders at Sixways to secure promotion to Step 5, before Raiders were later pushed up when the league's were reshuffled by the FA.

Worcester News: Hereford Pegasus beat Worcester Raiders 3-0 in the Play-Off FinalHereford Pegasus beat Worcester Raiders 3-0 in the Play-Off Final (Image: JMP)

So there will be an element of revenge for Raiders on the pitch this weekend following what has been a positive week off the pitch for the club.

Chairman Steve Harris confirmed on Wednesday that the club had agreed a deal on a lease agreement to remain at Sixways next season after months of speculation surrounding the stadium and it's ownership.

But a club statement on Wednesday revealed an agreement had been made with soon-to-be new owners Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Club Limited.

And with their future seemingly looking a lot brighter, Raiders and manager Karl Gormley will be hoping they can finish the season strongly ahead of a promotion push again in 2023/24.

Worcester News: Worcester Raiders' manager Karl GormleyWorcester Raiders' manager Karl Gormley (Image: Through The Lens)

"We are unbeaten in our last six games and the work rate in the last month has been superb. If we play the way we have in terms of our application and effort then we as coaches have no complaints," said Gormley.

"We have played some tough teams in this run of games lately. We were disappointed last week (2-2 vs Westfields) to not take all three points but we kept the unbeaten run going.

"The lads are together and enjoying working together on and off the pitch and we are all happy with how things are going so hopefully we can just keep that going."

Before the good news, last week the club were dealt a blow when they lost midfielders Brogan Halpin and Joe Billingham in the last hours of the transfer window.

Halpin joined Step 4 Halesowen Town whilst Raiders' captain Billingham joined Redditch United on dual-registration terms.

Worcester News: Joe Billingham has joined Redditch United on dual-registration termsJoe Billingham has joined Redditch United on dual-registration terms (Image: Through The Lens)

"Brogan was approached by Halesowen and offered the chance to play up a level and he fully deserves that chance," added Gormley.

"He has been brilliant for us this season and we really do wish him all the best and he is always welcome back at Raiders. Whether it works there or not we will support him with what he wants to do next. 

"As for Joe, he is Mr loyal and he has made it very clear that he doesn't want to play any redditch games until the Raiders season is finished with so we will see how he goes with it after that."