WHEN Grant Soames played his first Priestley Cup final in 2001 he probably wouldn't have expected to wait 16 years to play in another one.

During spells with East Bierley and Woodlands he appeared in a number of semi-finals, but tomorrow he finally clocks up his second appearance in the showpiece game.

He captains Championship One leaders Methley as they take on Premier Division outfit New Farnley.

Soames was just 19 when he was part of the Yeadon side beaten by Baildon, and he said: "I must admit that I thought then that I would go on to play in a few more but it hasn't worked out that way until now.

"This is a tremendous boost for everybody at the club and it should be a great day.

"It really is a bonus to have reached the final because our number one objective remains winning promotion to the Premier Division."

Facing Soames will be his good friend and former East Bierley colleague, Lee Goddard who captains New Farnley.

Goddard, who spent one happy season with Methley, has experience of leading a side to a Priestley Cup final win.

He guided East Bierley to victory in the 2012 final against Manningham Mills and recalls. "I missed the original game with a broken thumb but was fit when it had to be replayed.

"The final is a special occasion and this time it has the added factor that neither side has appeared in one.

"We know it will be a tough game. They have a number of very good players and they cannot be underestimated."

Goddard is aware that his side have under-achieved in the league. "We're consistently, inconsistent," is his reply to questions about their performances.

But the cup has brought out the best in them and they have beaten Baildon, East Bierley, Premier Division leaders Hanging Heaton and Undercliffe to date.

One of the keys to their success has been a well-balanced bowling attack with pacemen Andrew Brewster and Richard Atkins well backed up by the experienced spinner James Middlebrook and Luke Jarvis.

The final will be Middlebrook's last big match before he takes up umpiring full time on the first class circuit.

Many eyes will be on the performances of New Farnley's Swedish international opening batsman Mitch O'Connor who announced his arrival with 168 not out in the second round win over East Bierley.

Methley have their own match winners. The Walmsley twice, Marcus and Eddie, have been impressing all season, while their overseas player Muhammad Akhlaq made 214 not out on his debut in April.

If Methley are successful, and skipper Soames insists they are the "underdogs" it will mean a second-successive Priestley Cup triumph for batsman Jordan Laban. He was part of the Woodlands side that won in 2016.

With both clubs laying on coaches for supporters they won't lack support for what promises to be an interesting encounter.