The Picton Jones and Costley and Partners Premier Welsh Rugby League Conference reaches its climax this weekend with the most anticipated Grand Final in four years.

Due to the increasing amount of clubs now playing rugby league, this year the Conference was split into two regions of five clubs and it is each region’s table-toppers, Cardiff Demons and Bridgend Blue Bulls, that will contest the showpiece occasion at Celtic Crusaders’ Brewery Field on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Cardiff Demons are taking a 100% professional attitude in their preparation to the big match and are selecting from their strongest squad in over a month. A game-day plan has been drawn up by coach, Anthony Loxton and chairman, Andrew Bradshaw - one that they hope will secure them their first ever Welsh title.

Bradshaw said: "We're treating this game like the major final that it is. We're training twice this week instead of just the once and we'll be meeting in the morning and having lunch together before travelling to the ground. If we win this match, it will undoubtedly be the best season in Cardiff Demons' ten-year history beating 2004 when we won the Welsh and National Shield double.

"We've already won two trophies in 2006 - the Scott McRorie Nines and the East Wales title - but as far as I'm concerned we're only half-way there. We want to wrap up the Welsh title and then go on to win the National Conference Premier title at the start of September.

"The interest that has been shown by the Demons fans and also from the locals around St Peters (our host club) has been phenomenal. Many of the St Peters club members will be attending while our sponsors Gas Care will also be there along with guests. We have new kit for the final which has the Gas Care logo emblazoned on it for the first time. This is going to be a very special day for everyone and we’re all looking forward to it."

Bridgend Blue Bulls are aiming to win the trophy for the fourth successive year and

have declared that if they do this, it will be their biggest ever achievement.

Since 2003 they’ve claimed the Welsh title three times and the national Conference title – the Harry Jepson Trophy twice. Nevertheless Bridgend captain Jon Purnell insists that a win on Saturday will eclipse everything else.

Purnell said: “People don’t seem to realise that we have had to put a brand new team together this year, most of whom are youngsters. We’ve also had numerous off pitch problems. But the attitude of the guys has been amazing and we have a great team spirit in he squad which was plain to see after our last minute win against Blackwood.”

Bridgend have also announced they would like to dedicate all their achievements this season to their former player Daryl Dyke. Daryl played for the Blue Bulls in last year’s final but sadly passed away in December, aged only 23, after a short illness.

Bridgend team manager Simon Green said: “Daryl was a great young man and a fine player who is missed by us all both on and off the field. He will never be forgotten.”

On the pitch, the Blue Bulls look likely to lose full-back Matthew Hutchings who is on union duty with the Ravens, and Ross McGraw who has work commitments, while Ross Howells, Geraint Lewis and Anthony Isaac are all definitely out.

However Bridgend have been boosted by the inclusion of five players to their Cup Final squad that have been released from their union friendly duties for Maesteg RFC.

Green adds: “I’d like to thank Maesteg coaches Leighton O'Connor and Gareth Brown. I can't put in to words my gratitude as without these guys we would struggle to raise a team and would at least have had to have sent a severely weakened one out on to the pitch.

Cardiff Demons (from): Jamie Iles, Sean O’Brien, Gareth Holtam, Ian Higgins, Adam King, Lewis Francis, Gareth Jones, Wes Palmer, Tom Burnell, Mark Devine, John Byers, Mark Dando, Sean Gilbertson, Lee Drabble, Miles Davies, Chris James, Joey Davies, Lawrence Roycroft, Neil Thomas, John Darcy.

Bridgend Blue Bulls (from): Neil Dixon, Arran Warner, Owen Strong, Tylon Mafi, Carle Ellis, Michael John, Alan Bateman, Gareth Hopkins, Marc Bennett, Dan Williams, Lloyd O'Connor, Jon Purnell (capt), Matthew Wareham, Griff Davies, Nathan Strong, Tevita Manaseitava, Simon Mustoe, Matthew Channel.

article by Ian Golden
10 August 2006