Clubs warm up for final clash

Apr 25 2008 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

CHAMPIONS Slaithwaite Saracens and Lindley Swifts will do battle in Division III of the Pennine League tomorrow in a curtain-raiser to their Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy final clash nine days later.

The Huddersfield rivals meet in their massive final showdown at Dewsbury Rams’ Tetley Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5 (1.00pm), with Slaithwaite looking to secure a League and Cup treble.

Obviously Swifts will have something to say about that, and whoever wins this weekend’s contest will gain a huge psychological advantage ahead of their Trophy final tussle.

However, arguably the biggest League game of the day is at Wyke in Division II.

That’s where second-placed Newsome Panthers are in action against the current divisional leaders, with a win for coach Phil Joseph’s side taking them within a point of their Bradford rivals and with a vital game in hand.

Fellow Second Division side Emley Moor also remain in the promotion hunt, and a home win over Calder Valley would mean their final-day showdown with Newsome could be absolutely massive.

Also in action tomorrow are Underbank Rangers who entertain a Wortley Dragons side who will clinch the Division IV title should they triumph.