THE Holliday Cup final has a new date – for the third time!
Huddersfield Amateur RL’s showpiece event between Emley Moor and Slaithwaite Saracens will now take place on Sunday, May 12 at Laund Hill (2.00).
And that means it avoids a clash with the Giants’ massive Tetley’s Challenge Cup fifth-round home clash against Leeds Rhinos 24 hours earlier.
The Holliday Cup final had been re-arranged for that Saturday (May 11) after heavy snow forced the postponement on the traditional Easter Monday morning.
There were initial fears the Huddersfield YMCA venue may not be available for a second alternative.
But Laund Hill officials have now taken steps to make sure the complex can host the final the day after the Giants and Rhinos have locked horns in front of the BBC cameras.
“It’s taken a lot of time and effort to agree this new date, but we’re pleased with the outcome,” said Huddersfield ARLA secretary Sue Taylor.
“To be honest, a lot of people at the YMCA have bent over backwards to try and accommodate us, and we can’t thank them enough for that.
“It’s also the time that suits the two clubs the best, with a number of people unable to make it on Saturday morning through work and a lot more involved with junior rugby league on Sunday morning.
“It’s obviously a crying shame that we’ve been thwarted a couple of times in our efforts to stage this year’s final, but we’re still very hopeful it’ll still end up being a success.”
And those thoughts have been echoed by the Super League Giants, who hope their fans will repay the gesture by turning out in force to support the biggest day in the town’s amateur rugby league calendar.
“We really appreciate the effort the Huddersfield Amateur officials have made to avoid a clash,” said Giants business development manager and RL legend Robbie Hunter-Paul.
“They know how important the tie is for the Giants and they have pulled out all the stops to make sure no-one misses out on what should be a fantastic occasion at the John Smith’s Stadium.
“So, in return, we hope the Giants fans can repay the gesture by turning out in force for the Holliday Cup final and ensuring it’s a great success. Those involved in its organisation clearly deserve that.
“Next weekend has the potential to be one of the biggest on the rugby league front in the town.”
The switch will also be good news for Giants captain Danny Brough, who is coach of Emley Moor!
