Huddersfield Giants winger Alex Brown can’t wait for Batley Northern Rail Cup final date

Jul 15 2010 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ALEX BROWN is counting down to play in the biggest game of his career.

The 22-year-old Giants winger will line up for Batley Bulldogs in their Northern Rail Cup final clash against Widnes Vikings at Blackpool on Sunday.

It is the first time since 1952, and a Yorkshire Cup final against Huddersfield, that Batley have appeared in a senior rugby league final.

That makes Sunday’s showdown even more important for the Gallant Youths – something that hasn’t been lost on Brown, who is a member of the Giants’ Super League squad but is spending the year on loan at the Co-operative Championship club.

“This is a very big day, not only for the club but for me,” said Brown.

“Making my Super League debut for the Giants at St Helens last season was massive, but this is arguably even bigger.

“It’s not every day a major rugby league final is played, and to know I’ll be part of it makes it special.

“And I really can’t wait for the final to come along.

“I expect it’s going be nerve-wracking, but I’m sure the experience of playing at Saints last season will stand me in good stead.

“I remember how nervous I felt that day. As well as it being my debut, the match was on Sky TV and we were fielding a weakened side against a full-strength Saints.

“But I felt I handled the nerves pretty well that night, so I’m hoping I’ll be okay on Sunday.

“These are the reasons you want to play the game, and I intend to enjoy it as much as I can.”

Batley earned the right to meet the Vikings after their stunning 25-4 semi-final triumph at Leigh, when Brown was again in top form.