A CRACKING James Joseph Conlan Memorial Trophy final between St Joseph’s A and Emley Moor A is being predicted tonight.
The competition’s handicap system has helped produce some exciting clashes already, and tonight’s final showdown at Emley’s Welfare Ground (7.00) is expected to continue that trend.
St Joseph’s play at a slightly higher level, competing in Division VI of the Pennine League, while Emley Moor are in Division VII.
But that means Emley are handed a six-point start, and that makes tonight’s outcome almost impossible to predict.
Moor are certainly keen to triumph as this is the team’s first competitive season and they have already secured Trophy triumphs over Meltham All Blacks and Underbank Rangers.
Meanwhile, Slaithwaite Saracens’ relentless march towards the Pennine League Second Division title continues tomorrow.
Having thrashed Ovenden 76-0 six days ago, with props Lee McAfferty and Mick Mellor to the fore, the Saracens secured a 32-6 triumph over Stanningley on Wednesday night.
Next up is another home test against mid-table Dearne Valley Bulldogs, and a win this weekend would leave the unbeaten Slaithwaite needing two wins from their final three games to collect the silverware.
Also in action tomorrow are Newsome Panthers, who could make the Saracens’ title challenge even easier if they can win at home to leaders Westgate Wolves – something they will be keen to do to bounce back from their Holliday Cup final defeat to St Joseph’s on Easter Monday.
Also in action this weekend are Division I strugglers Moldgreen who travel to Wyke, while Meltham All Blacks entertain Silsden Park Rangers in Division V.
