A FINAL TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Talking Grassroots with PHIL HODGSON
I’VE described Sunday’s BARLA National Cup final in my preview, elsewhere in today’s issue, as a ‘David and Goliath’ contest.
It’s a cliché, but it’s true (clichés usually are).
The sides squaring up at the Millennium Stadium, Featherstone on Sunday are from quite different levels of the amateur game.
Orrell St James have not only topped the North West Men’s League but have also snared that competition’s Top Four Play-Off and Cup trophies.
The Saints, moreover, were runners-up last year, which I’m sure will prove to have been a valuable experience going into the 2025 decider.
By contrast, Brighouse Rangers finished mid-table in the Yorkshire Men’s League First Division (which is actually the second tier) and, on that basis, should surely have next to no chance.