IN-FORM Lindley Swifts are bracing themselves for the toughest of challenges to retain their James Joseph Conlan Memorial Trophy crown.
The Pennine League Second Division promotion hopefuls warmed up for tonight’s rugby league final showdown against St Joseph’s A at Emley’s Welfare Ground (7.00) with an impressive 43-0 home win over rivals Newsome Panthers.
At the same time, Division VI title-chasers Joe’s were also hitting top form to beat Hollinwood 48-27 to reach the final of the Pennine Supplementary Cup.
As a result, both sides will be confident of taking that form into tonight’s contest and looking to create space in their respective trophy cabinets – thanks largely to the competition’s handicap system.
With several divisions separating the sides, a big win for Swifts would normally be anticipated. But with Joe’s starting the contest with a big 32-point advantage, the result really could go either way.
With the likes of experienced senior players Phil Drain, James Folan, Leon Alexis and Dave Simmonds available to play, Lindley will have to be on guard.
And it’s not a fact lost on Swifts player-coach Kevin Bower.
“The great effort and enthusiasm the boys showed to beat Newsome is a fantastic way to prepare for this week’s final,” he said.
“We know turning around a 32-0 deficit before a ball has even been kicked will be tough, and with Joe’s expected to play their first-team players who aren’t cup-tied makes the challenge even harder.
“But, as the current holders, we will go there and give it our best shot and hope we get a bit of luck on the day.”
It’s £3 for adults tonight.
Lindley Swifts: Paddy Vinters, Nick Turner, Gary Jackson, Sam McCluskey, Kevin Bower, Dave Valentine, Ryan Whitaker, Mark Burns, Jack Dyson, Brett Campbell, Oliver Brodzinski, Michael Metcalf, Arron Wroe, Ritchie Bower, Nick Belafonte, Brent Lee, Duane Scott, Ashley North, Nick Staples, James Clarkson, James Usher, Edward Wilson, Tom Unwin, Jacob Senior, Elliott Moores, Shane Byrne, David Yates.
St Joseph’s A: Luke James, Leon Alexis, Ben Coletta, Steve O’Keefe, Patrick Mitchell, Luke Eastwood, Joel Hawkyard, Mike Silver, Gary Taylor, Dave Simmonds, Ben Eastwood, Craig Howatson, James Folan, Phil Drain, Michael Cameron, Shaun Hudson, Rhys Gapper, Leon James, Lee Ramsden, Matthew Schofield, Ben Meggat, Josh Loader, Ian Doyle, Mark Bedford, Matthew Gratino, Sam Coyne.
It’s a big day for Huddersfield’s leading juniors sides on Sunday when Underbank Rangers hosts the age-group finals.
The action gets under way at 10.15 with the opening game between Moldgreen and Newsome Panthers in the Under 12s final, with adult admission £2.
Fans should leave vehicles at Longley Farm and get the free shuttle bus service.
Unders 12s: Moldgreen v Newsome (10.15).
Under 13s: Moldgreen v Newsome (11.15).
Under 14s: Newsome v Underbank (12.15).
Under 15s: Meltham v Slaithwaite (1.30).
Under 16s: Meltham v Newsome (2.45).
