BARLA READY FOR ITS 50TH NATIONAL CUP FINAL
BARLA (British Amateur Rugby League Association) are ready for its first major event since it began its 50th year anniversary of its formation on the 4th March 1973, the Open Age BARLA National Cup Final which kicks at 2.00pm on Sunday 30th April at Millennium Stadium, the home of Featherstone Rovers RLFC.
Sundays final is also the 50th BARLA Open Age National Cup this afternoon St Helens side Haresfinch ARLFC of the North West Mens League Premier Division who lock horns with Halifax side Siddal RL of the Impact Performance National Conference League Premier Division.
This ‘War of the Roses’ clash will be a truly David v Goliath battle as 5th Tier Haresfinch formed in 1979 having only entered the BARLA National Cup for the second time in their history take on 4th Tier Siddal who were formed in 1908.
Siddal have played in one BARLA National Cup in 2008/09 when they defeated Wigan St Cuthberts 38-14, for Harefinch this will be their first ever National Cup appearance and should they win a new name will be etched onto the trophy.
Admission to the game is £5 adults, £3 Concessions, Children Under 16 Free
Mark Saunders Dom Gale Haresfinch ARLFC Joint Coach,
“We know that Siddal are and have been one of the best National Conference League teams for a long time and their history within the amateur game. We have only just been promoted into the Premier Division of the North West Mens League and know the challenge to come.
“We are taking three coaches to the final including one with the first team and will be well supported. We know it’s a tough ask, but we’re not going for the day out, we are going there to win and that everything works out on the day.”
Richard Knight Siddal RL Head Coach,
“There’s no doubting us being an NCL Premier Division club that we will go in as favourites, we were underdogs only a few weeks ago against Sheffield Eagles, twenty minutes to go twelve all, we drop the ball the they go a hundred metres to score and the game turned.
“We know how easy an underdog can turn a favourite over so that being said we won’t be taking Haresfinch lightly. We will be giving them the respect that they deserve having reached the final in their own right.”
Sue Taylor BARLA Chair,
“This is BARLA’s first major event as it celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary which has seen invites to all the previous BARLA National Cup winners, current District Leagues as well as today’s competing finalist and congratulate Haresfinch ARLFC and Siddal RL for reaching our blue riband final.
“We hope all our guests enjoy the celebration and I am sure the players and coaches of both clubs will do themselves proud and deliver on the day to the supporters coming to spur their team on.”
“On behalf of BARLA I would like to thank Featherstone Rovers RLFC for allowing us to stage our BARLA National Cup Final at their Millennium Stadium and use of their full facilities.”
Admission: £5 Adults
£3 Concessions
Children Under 16 Free
Steve Manning
BARLA Media Manager
.png)
