Unfazed by the on-off flooded pitch drama at Murrayfield, thousands of Bradford Bulls fans were leaving the city today amid cup final fever for tomorrow's showdown with arch-rivals Leeds Rhinos.

Up to 50,000 supporters are expected to make their way to Edinburgh from rugby league's Yorkshire heartland for the first Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final to be played north of the border.

And fans of the Bulls - who are red-hot favourites to avenge their defeat at the hands of Leeds in last year's final - have been displaying their loyalty to the team in all manner of ways, from lucky giant hot cross buns to wacky shop window displays.

Early today there was still a shadow of doubt over whether the game would go ahead tomorrow, after the Murrayfield pitch was flooded to a depth of three feet when the Water of Leith burst its banks during torrential rain. But after 24 hours of frantic mopping up, there were "only a few puddles" reported on the pitch today. An inspection was taking place later.

Meanwhile Bulls-mad shopkeeper Frances Atkins and husband Roger caused a stir with a larger-than-life window display to the team.

Frances decked out the mannequins of the couple's bridal shop Pronuptia in North Parade in red, black and amber, saying: "We just thought we would like to support the Bulls' success in getting to the final. We did a similar thing when City got promotion. It's important we celebrate the good things which happen in our city.

"I watch the Bulls home and away and queued for three and a half hours in the cold and wet to get these tickets. I would not have missed this for the world."

And Mrs Helen Towriss and daughter Naomi, of Blakehill Avenue, Undercliffe, have had the club's colours and logo airbrushed on to each of their fingernails - a gift from Helen and husband Barry's employer, Designer Nails, in Leeds. Mr Towriss said: "We always do something special for a final."

Bradford's Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Councillor Harry Mason and his wife Councillor Christine Mason, plan to be among the throng making their way up north.

Coun Mason said: "Having been a Bulls supporter for most of my adult life, I'm absolutely delighted the team have reached the final. We were all very disappointed last year when Bulls lost out to Leeds at the last hurdle. I've every confidence the Bulls will succeed this year."

Bradford Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood wished the team good luck, although he will not be able to make the final.

He said: "Bradford Bulls are a credit to the district. They've been superb this year. I was at the semi-final and I thought they played magnificently. They make a fantastically constructive contribution to the district."

Executive member for regeneration Councillor David Green said: "My hope is that we are going to be the winning side on Saturday and bring the cup back to Bradford.

"It would be a great boost to the city and just what the club deserves for all the hard work it's done over the last few years."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.