View from the back of the stand
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Well, here we are at the KCOM Craven Park stadium for this years Hull & District League Council Cup final. A great venue for what promises to be a great game between Three Tuns and Bransholme.

Both sides will be looking to savour every moment on a pitch that over the years has been graced by some tremendous players and some great rugby league clubs. The reality is though it’s probably going to go in the blink of an eye as games often do when you’re out there in the middle.

So what can we expect? Have no doubt the opening exchanges will be full on as both sides will look to gain the early advantage. A big open pitch that encourages expansive and flowing rugby will test the best of defences. An occasion that will favour the brave and those that believe.

And as the season comes to a close the game brings together an intriguing final. Three Tuns on the back of a highly successful season in the premier division and this years Yorkshire cup finalists, and Bransholme who have built a good squad during the season and emerge from a solid campaign in division one to make the prestigious final. Be in no doubt both teams will be looking to come out on top at the end of 80 minutes, and cup finals, as we know, can be as much about the mind as they are about the body.

I got the chance to catch up with both teams prior to the game.

Mark Cassidy, Three Tuns joint coach is looking forward to the final. “ This is a big game for us without a doubt. We’ve already been in big finals this year and our achievement in reaching the Yorkshire Cup final and putting in the performance we did was a real highlight” he said.“ It will be a big occasion for the lads at Craven Park and they’re certainly up for it. And don’t worry, we won’t be underestimating Bransholme”.

Three Tuns have had a great season in the premier division and Mark acknowledges that. “As a team it’s probably fair to say we’ve exceeded what we expected at the start of the campaign. And that’s down to the players and everyone involved in the club. It’s been a fantastic effort.” “We need to continue to play to our strengths” he says, “not to try and over play it, play out our sets, and deliver a good kick and chase game. We’ve got a big strong pack who are mobile and we’ll be looking to get the ball out wide”

Three Tuns have been putting in final preparations at training and are hoping to be at full strength on the night. “ We expect Bransholme to put in a strong performance, it’s a cup final and they’ll be fired up as well, says Mark, “We’re expecting the first 20 minutes to be tough but we’ve played some big games this year already and we know what we have to do”.

Craig Cook, Head Coach at Bransholme is equally upbeat. “This game is huge for the club” he says, “It will be a big challenge for us, Three Tuns are a good side but our preparations are going well. We’ve got a mixture of lads who have played in cup finals before and some that haven’t but as a team we’ve developed a real togetherness. There’s a close bond in the team and that’s going to count for a lot on the night. We’ve had some good wins this season and we will give everything on the night”.

Bransholmes scheduled training sessions have also had a boost. “We’ve had the chance to train with Hull Dockers as well”, says Craig, “including playing a session against them. That’s been good for the team in the build up to tonight and we’re really grateful to Dockers for that opportunity”.

Bransholme have no doubt about the challenge ahead. “We know what we need to do” says Craig, “ Three Tuns are a good side who throw the ball about and they’ve had a great season. We need to keep working hard for each other, complete our sets and kick well. If we continue to turn out with the right attitude and stick to our structure you can expect a good final”.

Bransholme expect to be near full strength on the night. “ We’ve made the final as a division one team and to get there is a big achievement”, says Craig, “It’s a real boost for the club, particularly in recruitment and attracting players for next season. We’ve done our preparation, the players are ready. You play in finals to win, and that’s our focus”.

So there you have it. All good to go. 80 minutes of rugby league. Two great amateur sides. And one will emerge as the winner at the final whistle. That’s why we’re here. But remember, there’s another winner tonight. Hull amateur rugby league on show at a top stadium. And long may that continue.