RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE GRAND FINALS – Preview

The culmination of Co-operative Rugby League Conference XII could not have more contrasting finals to end another season of action stretching the length and breadth of three countries.

From Lossiemouth to Carluke in Scotland, Whitley Bay to Plymouth in England and Rhyl to West Wales in the Principality, more teams have played more matches then ever before during the summer of 2009.

This Sunday, 13th September at Haslams, the home of Derby RFC, the respective Champions will be decided and organisers are anticipating that, like last season at the same venue, a four-figure gate will be in attendance.

Two experienced campaigners contest the Harry Jepson Trophy (kick off 4.30), with West London Sharks looking to avenge last year’s Grand Final loss to Nottingham Outlaws and a 2004 reverse against Widnes Saints. Sharks have hit form at just the right time, beating South London Storm in the Southern Premier Grand Final, after their rivals had gone through the regular season unbeaten. They face Coventry Bears, winners in 2002 when they defeated Hemel Stags, although they lost out to St Albans Centurions in 2007, who have had a terrific run of form late season.

If the two sides in the Premier decider have trodden this path before, the teams facing each other for the Regional Grand Final (kick off 1.30) are in unchartered waters. Jarrow Vikings defeated Scottish Champions Edinburgh Eagles in the semi final and have lost only once all season. They come up against unbeaten East Division winners Northampton Casuals who, in only their second season in the RLC, were hugely impressive in seeing off Hunslet-based Parkside Hawks in the quarter final and then blitzing Devon Sharks in their semi.

In between those two clashes, Coventry Bears and Bradford Thunderbirds will contest the RLC Women’s Premier Grand Final (kick off 3pm).

Admission is free and car parking is £2 per car, including a match day programme.