Tetley's County Cup Final
Previews

Tetley?s Cumbria Cup Final Ellenborough Rangers v Egremont Rangers Tuesday 28th December Derwent Park, Workington Town RLFC Kick Off: 2.00pm Admission ?5 Adults - ?2 Concessions

The 2004 Cumbria Cup Final will see a clash of ?the Rangers? as Cumberland League Division One duo, Ellenborough and Egremont face each other in this prestigious fixture.

Ellenborough Rangers will be making their sixth appearance in the final and managed to lift the trophy for three consecutive years in the nineties.

They are coached by former Hull, Featherstone and Workington Town prop Hitro Okesene and he will no doubt be able to offer plenty of experience on a ground where he played many times.

Wilson Smith, Ellenborough Chairman, can?t wait for the game and said, ?Everyone at the club is delighted with the team reaching the Tetley?s Cumbria Cup Final, and we are well aware of the task ahead against a strong Egremont outfit, but am sure our coach Hitro Okesene will have the lads well prepared and ready to face the challenge.?

Egremont Rangers having qualified for their third BARLA Cumbria Cup Final are looking to make it third time lucky after losing in their two previous attempts.

This is the only major BARLA competition that the club has not won, having won the National Cup in 1989-90 and the National Conference Premier Division title in 1997-98.

A Club spokesman commented, All the players and indeed everyone connected with the Club is looking forward to the final against our good friends and rivals Ellenborough Rangers. Obviously Ellenborough will go into the final as strong favourites due to the experience they have within their team. However, our boys will give it a go and are more than capable of beating any side given our present form. We have had one of our best ever starts to a season, being unbeaten in any competitive game, although both the coaching staff and players realise that the final will be a different matter to any game we have played so far.

The performance in the semi-final against Lowca was arguable the best we have played this season and if we produce the same kind of form then we may well spring a surprise in the final.

Player/Coach, Gary Charlton, has done an excellent job since taking the reins two seasons ago. He has developed the squad and has brought in a number of younger players via the Club?s Youth section, which has dramatically reduced the average age of the team. It is still early days and everyone knows that there is still a lot of work to do if the Club is to reach the levels that the Club attained during the 1990?s, success in this year?s Cumbria Cup Final would be good start.?

Squads

Ellenborough Rangers

Stephen Douglas, Dean Scholey, Paul West, David Whitworth, David Sewell, Jonty Gorley, Michael Dempsey, Kevin Clark, Philip Brown, Jason Moore, Paul McGee, Craig Holdsworth, Eddie Robinson, Barrie Murdock, Gary Anderson, Jo Scholey, Ricky Scholey, Ian McDowell, Andrew Lightfoot, Stephen Hadley, Peter Bewick, Dean Haney

Egremont Rangers

Mark Bawden, William Blackburn, Darren Block, Gary Charlton, Steven Cosby, Tony Dmytrowski, Richard Farrer, David Hartley, Stephen Harrison, Luke Higgins, Andrew Hinde, John Jackson, Graham Lawson, Stephen Long, Stephen Morris, Chris Murphy, Lee Park, Daniel Telford, Paul Telford, Ben Walker, Jamie Watson, John Young

Routes to the Final

Ellenborough Rangers

Round 1: 6 ? 34 v Hindpool Quarter Final: 72 ? 0 v Salterbeck Storm Semi Final: 36 ? 6 v Ulverston

Egremont Rangers

Round 1: 40 ? 14 v Glasson Rangers Quarter Final: 23 ? 21 v Kells Semi Final: 24 ? 45 v Lowca

Previous Winners

1982-83 Kells 15 Hensingham 11 1983-84 Kells 14 Wath Brow Hornets 13 1984-85 Glasson 14 Ulverston 10 1985-86 Kells 34 Lowca 12 1986-87 Kells 20 Egremont 12 1987-88 Kells 36 Wath Brow Hornets 7 1988-89 Barrow Island 16 Kells 10 1989-90 Millom 9 Kells 8 1990-91 Millom 0 Hensingham 7 1991-92 Ellenborough 8 Kells 14 1992-93 Kells 2 Hensingham 0 1993-94 Hensingham 11 Kells 4 1994-95 Walney Central 18 Hensingham 16 1995-96 Ellenborough Rangers 26 Barrow Island 0 1996-97 Westfield 16 Ellenborough 44 1997-98 Ellenborough 28 Broughton Red Rose 14 1998-99 Wath Brow Hornets 16 Ellenborough 10 1999-00 Wath Brow Hornets 32 Hensingham 12 2000-01 Wath Brow Hornets 32 Egremont 6 2001-02 Kells 6 Wath Brow Hornets 46 2002-03 Hensingham 8 Kells 6 2003-04 Seaton Rangers 34 Barrow Island 2 Tetley?s Lancashire Cup Final Orrell St James v Bank Quay Bulls Tuesday 28th December Liverpool St Helens RUFC Kick Off: 1.00pm Admission ?5 Adults - ?2 Concessions

Orrell St James are back in the Lancashire Cup Final for the first time since the 1998/99 season, and will hope for a similar outcome this time round.

That year they lifted the cup after a 20-12 victory over Parkside Golbourne and many expect them to repeat that feat again, especially with them being a Division higher than their opponents.

Over the years the club has produced players who have gone on to play the game at the highest level, most notably Great Britain and Wigan captain Andy Farrell.

St James Chairman Nigel Hopwood commented, ?We are very proud to reach the Lancashire Cup Final again, the last time being approx six years ago. Having been asked to leave our Ground at the end of last season, it is a welcome highlight to the season.?

He added, ?I wish the lads good luck and they can be sure that the club will be rooting for them and that they will have strong support from our club members. Hopefully this will be the icing on our Christmas cake!!?

Bank Quay Bulls play the rugby in the North West Counties Division One, however on route to the final they have defeated three Premier Division sides. They will no doubt be confident of adding another ?top flight? name to the list and collecting the Lancashire Cup for the first ever time.

Their Secretary is BARLA Great Britain Manager Neil Baxter, and he is understandably proud of his side?s efforts in reaching the final. He said, ?It?s an outstanding achievement for us to reach the Tetley?s Lancashire Cup Final, especially after defeating three Premier Division sides in the previous rounds.?

He continued, ?With the club only in its seventh season it shows the team spirit within the side and whilst our main aim is promotion to the top flight, all connected with the club are looking forward to the clash?.

He added, ?It will also be a special occasion for Andy Stephens (Bank Quay Vice-Chairman) as he will be leading the team out on the day. He does so much work off the field for Bank Quay Bulls?.

Squads

Orrell St James

Martin Carney, Chris Cowley, Ben Griffin, Thomas Hart, James Hitchmough, Graeme Howard, David Hughes, Graham Johnson, Neil Liptrot, Alex Peet, Daniel Pyke, Kieron Spruce, Andrew Taylor, Stephen Taylor, Matthew Tuffs, Kelvin Turner, Lewis Waterworth, Phillip Waterworth, Ian Watson, Martin Cheetham, Chris English, Chris Dean, Gavin Hurst

Bank Quay Bulls

Damon Fishwick, Ste Caley, Billy Rowan, Bryan Cragg, Lee Brown, Craig Fishwick, Paul Cragg, Jimmy Astbury, Wes Lawton, Phil Braddish, Gary Whalley, Neil Smith, Lee Westwood, Dale Catterall, Dave Hughes, Alan Clare, Carl Turner, Chris Mellor, Craig Millington, Stan Phizacklea, Rob Spencer

Routes to the Final

Orrell St James

Round 1: 40 ? 10 v Milnrow Round 2: 24 ? 8 v Halton Farnworth Hornets Quarter Final: 19 ? 12 v Latchford Albion Semi Final: 10 ? 18 v Ashton Bears

Bank Quay Bulls

Round 1: 0 ? 18 v Leigh Sportsman Harriers Round 2: 22 ? 43 v Wigan St Cuthberts Quarter Final: 32 ? 0 v Rylands Semi Final: 21 ? 24 v Blackbrook

Previous Winners

1973-74 Pilkington Recs 23 Folly Lane 13 1974-75 Mayfield 32 Woolston Rovers 2 1975-76 Leigh MW 20 Wath Brow Hornets 4 1976-77 Pilkington Recs 17 Leigh MW 0 1977-78 Pilkington Recs 12 Latchford Albion 0 1978-79 Leigh MW 10 Crosfields 2 1979-80 Millom 9 Wath Brow Hornets 2 1980-81 Pilkington Recs 33 Rose Bridge 3 1981-82 Leigh MW 35 Saddleworth 9 1982-83 Rose Bridge 25 Crosfields 5 1983-84 St Patricks 9 Mayfield 7 1984-85 Waterhead 18 Blackbrook 0 1985-86 Simms Cross 21 Haresfinch 0 1986-87 Blackbrook 12 Pilkington Recs 5 1987-88 Leigh MW 22 Farnworth ROB 4 1988-89 Thatto Heath 32 Leigh East 12 1989-90 Thatto Heath 12 Leigh MW 10 1990-91 Leigh East 29 Thatto Heath 13 1991-92 Leigh MW 21 Langworthy 25 1992-93 Thatto Heath 16 Woolston 14 1993-94 Thatto Heath 4 Woolston 10 1994-95 Oldham St Annes 2 Woolston 10 1995-96 Woolston 19 Oldham St Annes 12 1996-97 Thatto Heath 12 Woolston 10 1997-98 Waterhead 12 Wigan Rose Bridge 6 1998-99 Orrell St James 20 Parkside Golborne 12 1999-00 Thatto Heath 30 Haydock 10 2000-01 Portico Panthers 8 Haydock 4 2001-02 Ince Rose Bridge 36 Farnworth 10 2002-03 Bold Miners 6 Widnes Albion 19 2003-04 Haydock 20 Halton Simms Cross 28 Tetley?s Yorkshire Cup Final Elland v Drighlington Tuesday 28th December Ram Stadium, Dewsbury RLFC Kick Off: 12.00noon Admission ?5 Adults - ?2 Concessions

The Tetley?s Yorkshire Cup Final will be an all Pennine League, Premier Division encounter.

Drighlington will make their first ever Yorkshire Cup Final appearance, when they take on Elland at Ram Stadium, home on Dewsbury Rams RLFC, over the festive period.

?Drig? edged past Dewsbury Celtic 18-10 in their semi final and will be looking forward to one of the biggest days in the club?s history.

There are coached by Hunslet Hawks scrum half Latham Tawhai, and he is looking forward to the day. Said Tawhai, ?When I was asked to take over as Head Coach at Drighlington I was told that there was a good nucleus of young players, with more players in the junior ranks coming through, but I never believed the talent I have been fortunate enough to inherit. The team is very young, but the quality of rugby they play is first class and they are a superb bunch of lads to coach.?

Our strengths as a team are our fitness and speed of play together with an outstanding team spirit. It?s a big day not only for the players and coaches but for the Club as a whole, indeed I have heard most of the village is coming to support the lads.

He added, ?The players have prepared well and if we play to our potential I?m sure they will give a good account of ourselves. My wish is that the players and supporters enjoy it and we make it a day to remember.?

Elland are no strangers to the Yorkshire Cup, and will be making their third final appearance in four years. They have lifted the trophy on both their previous final appearances and will be hoping to complete a memorable hat-trick.

Elland coach Junaid Malik is no stranger to the Yorkshire Cup Final after lifting the famous Cup as a player. Now in his coaching role he is desperate for more success.

?The Yorkshire Cup Final is a hugely important event for all at Elland Rugby Club and we look forward to a great game of rugby league with our opponents Drighlington.

Achieving this stage is just reward for the players, who commenced the hard graft back in July when pre-season training began. The team set their targets back then, like Yorkshire Cup final status and hopefully retaining the cup, this event will be a memorable occasion, especially for the younger members of the squad.?

He continued, ?The occasion also highlights the time and effort people put into making the club run successfully and this kind of event reflects that their hard work does bear fruit.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the spectators and everybody included with the running of the club, for their backing & support of the team.?

Squads

Elland

Dean Bishop, David Holmes, Steven Brocklehurst, James Agus, James Fairbank, Amraz Hamid, Ben Fairbank, Dehran Gibson, Paul Shaw, Mark Bailey, Hayden Bailey, Alan Chapman, Phil Taylor, Simon Gray, Steven Wood, Lee Shackleton, Andy Shickell, Marc Shickell, Tom Walton, Adam Oldroyd

Drighlington

Nathan Larvin, Chris Dyson , Kev Doyle, Chris Cowling , Adam Newton , Nathan Hallas, Lee Kerr, Sam Pickles, Marcus Tildsley, Paul Hustler , Andy Brearley, Lee Mulhern , Ash Daniels , John Bradley, Chris Hill, Dave Patterson, Eddy Wrigglesworth , James Clark, Glen Pennington, Gaz Murrell

Routes to the Final

Elland

Round 1: BYE Round 2: BYE Round 3: 16 ? 12 v Sharlston Rovers Round 4: 8 ? 4 v Stanley Rangers Quarter Final: 16 ? 14 v West Hull Lions Semi Final: 12 ? 22 v Cutsyke

Drighlington

Round 1: BYE Round 2: 24 ? 46 v Myton Warriors Round 3: 30 ? 0 v Batley Victoria Round 4: 39 ? 10 v Queensbury Quarter Final: 12 ? 0 v Chequerfield Rangers Semi Final: 18 ? 10 v Dewsbury Celtic

Previous Winners

1973-74 West Hull 13 Illingworth 10 1974-75 Dewsbury Celtic 17 NDLB 12 1975-76 Pointer Panthers 13 West Hull 6 1976-77 Beecroft & Wightman 9 Dewsbury Celtic 6 1977-78 Dewsbury Celtic 13 NDLB 7 1978-79 Ace Amateurs 8 NDLB 4 1979-80 Ace 8 West Hull 2 1980-81 Milford 21 Widdal 11 1981-82 West Hull 33 Jubilee 16 1982-83 Lock Lane 19 Jubilee 13 1983-84 Mysons 14 Heworth Premier 4 1984-85 West Hull 14 Jesmond 12 1985-86 Dudley Hill 15 Mysons 2 1986-87 Elland 24 Jubilee 12 1987-88 West Hull 21 Ace 14 1988-89 West Hull 32 Hunslet Junction 21 1989-90 Bison 18 NDLB 16 1990-91 Cutsyke 14 Dudley Hill 10 1991-92 Hull Dockers 41 Park Amateurs 8 1992-93 Normanton 14 Westgate Redoubt 17 1993-94 Heworth 21 Beverley 6 1994-95 Heworth 20 Skirlaugh 24 1995-96 Thornhill 6 Skirlaugh 11 1996-97 Clayton 9 Queens 13 1997-98 Siddal 6 Featherstone Lions 9 1998-99 Townville 5 Norland 4 1999-00 Hunslet Warriors 34 Dewsbury Celtic 8 2000-01 Lindley Swifts 16 Hunslet Warriors 11 2001-02 Elland 17 Sharlston Rovers 6 2002-03 East Hull 18 Cutsyke 8 2003-04 Elland 23 Queens 11