Odsal's open spaces will suit Warriors (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Odsal's open spaces will suit Warriors

6:13pm Thursday 23rd April 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

Wibsey Warriors are bid-ding to pull off a unique double by winning both Bradford Amateur Rugby League cups at Grattan Stadium on Sunday.

The Warriors’ first team contest the Jack Senior Memorial Cup against West Bowling A (3.30pm) in the showpiece that will see a huge contrast in styles.

Bowling, who are a major force in Pennine League Division One, have hit form with a number off huge scalps in recent weeks.

They bring back the heavy artillery in prop forwards Steve Pryce and Phil Chappell, who have been rested in the recent midweek games, plus the highly-regarded Aaron Chappell, who will join his father at loose forward in a formidable pack.

Bowling also have experienced centre Martin Tordoff out wide and the lively Danny Loxam at full back in what will be a strong line-up.

The Warriors have won the Division Four championship in impressive style after a spectacular campaign in which wingman Mike Der-rick has scored 37 tries.

They play an expansive game based on speed that will suit the wide, open spaces of the Odsal bowl perfectly.

Wibsey also have a deadly kicking exponent in loose forward Andy Robinson, who has not missed a match in two years.

The tactics employed by both sides will provide the key to who lifts the converted trophy in what will be an absorbing contest.

The curtain-raiser is the Hudson Foster Supplementary Bradford Cup encounter between Wibsey Warriors A and Dudley Hill A (1.30pm).

The Hill side, who have finished a creditable third in Division Four, will be on a mission to go one better than last season’s runners-up spot when they lost 32-18 against the Wibsey first string.

Hill have a finely balanced mix of experienced and home-grown junior talent, and veterans Danny Whitely Gareth Walker and Darren Mumby will orchestrate events throughout. Young prop Sean Kelly will also take some stopping.

Wibsey A have emulated the senior side by wining the Division Seven title.

Playmaker Bryn Horsley, who has returned after a spell at Odsal Sedbergh, is clearly a man for the big occasion, winning the man of the match award against Clayton two years ago.

Hooker Matt Cumberworth will play the vital pivot role around the ruck. This match is also too hard to call, which should ensure that the customary large crowd should be in for a couple of treats.