Amateur RL: Let’s celebrate our Grand day says Underbank chief Richard Knight

Oct 2 2009 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

UNDERBANK player-coach Richard Knight is confident his club can celebrate their 125th anniversary by winning the Co-operative Conference National Grand Final!

Knight’s men take on Bramley Buffaloes in an eagerly-awaited clash at Warrington’s Halliwell-Jones Stadium on Sunday (12.30).

The West Yorkshire rivals dominated the regular League season, with Bramley just pipping Rangers to claim the minor champions crown.

Honours were shared at one win each during the season, with Bramley just edging out Underbank 30-24 in their play-off clash in Leeds 13 days ago.

But the Holmfirth-based side bounced straight back with their convincing 44-10 home triumph over Nottingham Outlaws a week later to claim their Final berth at the second attempt.

And Knight believes a repeat performance in the biggest game of the season will put his side in a strong position to celebrate a superb season in spectacular style.

“Reaching the Grand Final last weekend was a fantastic feeling, and now we want to go on and claim the ultimate prize,” he said.

“We know we’ll be going into the game as slight underdogs, particularly as Bramley not only finished top of the table but are also playing in their fifth successive final.

“But we all believe we have the side capable of going there and winning.

“We’ve had a fantastic year, finishing higher than we ever have before (second), and we’re also proud of the fact we went through the entire season unbeaten at home.