DESPITE Gloucestershire Warriors enduring poor form of late, head coach Richard Jones is optimistic the side can turn things around when they lock horns with the Raiders on the weekend.

“The Raiders will be another physical challenge, but I know a win is well within our reach,” he said.

Last week, Jones saw his side squander a 12-4 lead to go down 40-12 to Torfaen Tigers at Oxstalls in arguably the side’s worst performance of the season.

“We started really well after a good team preparation session on the Friday evening. A few lads were out of position but settled really well and did mostly what was asked of them,” he reflected.

“Torfaen were a typical Welsh side; a few big intimidating lads in the pack but didn’t offer much out wide. Our game plan was to attack their sides which we did at times in the first half but went completely away from this in the second half.”

Jones was disappointed with his side’s discipline in that second period when they shipped 28 unanswered points and where the referee had his hands full blowing 15 penalties.

“In the second half we were easily intimidated and got into an arm wrestle, where there was only going to be one winner. A few of the lads lost their heads and that’s what lost us the game, we are very poor at channelling our emotions and controlling our anxiety."

“In reality we had to win that game at home. We can’t afford to drop points on our own patch.”

He will be hoping for better at Parc Stebonheath in Llanelli as the Warriors look to defeat a Welsh side for the first time in their history. The head coach issued a rallying call to his charges.

“I need full commitment from each player. We cannot afford for any player to lose their heads and go away from the smart rugby we are capable of as it affects all the team.”