THIS Sunday represents a huge milestone for local rugby league side, Birkenshaw Blue Dogs, as their U18s prepare for a mammoth showdown with Hensingham in the BARLA National Cup Final.

It’s the first time that any side from Birkenshaw has reached the final stage of this competition, so it represents a historic day for the local outfit.

Not only do they have the chance to lift the trophy, but they have the chance to do so at Featherstone Rovers’ Millennium Stadium, which will be the first time that the team have played in a ‘professional’ stadium.

Looking ahead to this monumental day, head coach Jason Hoyland spoke of his delight to be a part of such a big occasion.

Speaking to the T&A, he said: “As a club, Birkenshaw have never reached a national cup final, so from a club perspective it’s unbelievable.

“We’re all over the moon to be here and are extremely excited ahead of the weekend.

“It’s a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity, so everybody is ready to grasp it with both hands.”

Birkenshaw have had to come through several rounds to reach the final showdown at the Millennium Stadium, with the previous two contests being particularly tight affairs.

In the semi-final they edged past Ashton Bears to seal a 14-12 away victory while in the quarters they squeezed past Leigh Miners Rangers at home by a scoreline of 20-18.

Reflecting on his side’s route to the final, Hoyland said: “We’ve played some really good teams along the way and come through some tough tests, so we thoroughly deserve our place in the final.

“The game against Ashton in the semi-final, although the scoreline was close, they scored a try towards the end of the game, and I felt like we were in control of that one.

“The tough one was in the quarter-final against Leigh.

“Funnily enough, when they came over and were asking where our pitch was, they didn’t even know who we were.

“Leigh are a National Conference League side, so it was quite funny that they didn’t know who little old Birkenshaw were,” Hoyland joked.

He added: “The lads have played out of their skin to get to this point; they’re a great group of lads and extremely proud of all of them.”

Relaying the message that he’s given to his players ahead of their tip to Featherstone Rovers on Sunday, Hoyland said: “I’ve told them to enjoy it.

“I don’t think the occasion and the pressure of playing at the Millennium Stadium will get to these boys.

“I’m confident that they’ll play with no fear, as they have done all season.

“They’ll relish the occasion whatever happens on Sunday. I just want them to go out there, enjoy it and leave nothing in the changing room. I can’t ask for much more.”

Giving his thoughts on the importance of a victory, Hoyland said: “Firstly, the players would deserve it because they have been magnificent. It would be a brilliant moment for the boys to share together.

“Secondly, reaching the final was historic and an achievement in itself for the club, so to win it would be unthinkable.

“I’m hoping we can get over the line because it would be a special moment for everyone at the club and it would certainly put Birkenshaw back on the map again.

“We hope to have as many people down there as possible to support us.”