With all the focus on the international weekend you may not have noticed the huge domestic game that is taking place this weekend.
In a week we have seen the Challenge Cup draw take place, this weekend we will see a game that shows the magic of any cup competition as in the BARlA Cup Final Haresfinch, a North West Men’s League side which is below Conference 3 and therefore a huge 4 divisions below their opponents, take on NCL Premier side Siddal for the trophy at Featherstone on Sunday.
According to BARLA’s website, 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.
It is a true 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
Haresfinch Coaches Mark Saunders & Andrew Murray appeared on BBC Radio Merseyside this week to talk about the game.
Saunders said: “It’s just excitement to be honest, it’s been delayed for a good few weeks so now we’ve got to get the lads up for it but you shouldn’t need to be got up for a National Cup final, that says it all. It’s massive.
“For a club like this it’s not just about the team, it’s about the whole club and putting Haresfinch on the map and there’s no bigger stage for that than the National Final.
“We’ve already filled three coaches up to head up there which I think speaks for itself, it’s been a great response and we’re looking forward to a great day out.
Murray added: “It’s going to be hard to adjust to that kind of atmosphere, we’re not used to playing on that kind of stage but I think as soon as the first 10 minutes and those early carries are out of the way we’ll really kick on from there.
“I think everyone is saying that we are underdogs and you could say that but I really do think that we turn up on Sunday and we’ll turn them over.”
