photo by Ian Lovell

Valley Cougars face their biggest ever match this Sunday when they take on West London Sharks in the semi-final of the Co-operative National Conference Premier at Gloucestershire Warriors RLFC’s Chosen Hill ground (kick-off 4pm).

The sides battling it out for a place in the Grand Final of the tournament also known as the Harry Jepson Trophy could not be more contrasting. West London Sharks have been this way before having reached the Grand Final in 2004 and the semi final two years later while, having finally ended Bridgend Blue Bulls’ stranglehold on the Wales division, Valley Cougars make their first appearance in the last four.

The Sharks faced a huge battle to oust South London Storm last weekend, earning a 24-20 win in what has been described as one of the best games yet seen in the Rugby League Conference, while, after finishing second in the Welsh table, the Cougars, who play out of Nelson RFC, overcame equally tough odds to defeat league leaders Blackwood Bulldogs in the Welsh Grand Final at the

Brewery Field two weeks ago by the more comfortable margin of 26-12.

Form is difficult to judge with the Sharks having the edge in match practice, having played more games than the Cougars. However, with the awarding of a Super League franchise to Celtic Crusaders, the Welsh game is on the crest of a wave and the Cougars could ride their way into the Final on the back of it.

Against that is the strength of the Southern Premier division, which has provided Grand Finalists in three of the last four years and the competition winner in the last two. With the games having to be settled on the day so, it would be no surprise to see extra time required to separate the teams in either game.

“We’re all looking forward to the match,” said Cougars’ chairman Mark Rowley. “The boys are up for it, we’re taking a strong side to Gloucestershire, a similar squad to the side who won the Welsh Grand Final, and we want to do Wales proud.”

The Northern semi final to be played on the same day in Rochdale features Midlands Premier division champions Nottingham Outlaws taking on the Carlisle Centurions.

The Grand Final will be played at Derby City’s Haslams ground on Sunday 7 September.

article by Ian Golden
22 August 2008