The Rugby League Challenge Cup Final has been a nailbiter even before it began, thanks to the vagaries of the weather in Scotland. But now the decision has been taken to play, and tomorrow Bradford Bulls will carry the hopes of the district to Murrayfield when they take on arch rivals the Leeds Rhinos for Rugby League's glittering prize.

If they win, it will be the first time the cup has come back here in 51 years. All of Bradford will surely be cheering them on, either on the still-damp terraces of Edinburgh or in front of their television sets.

The Bulls have been such a good thing for Bradford. They deserve this crowning glory to a season in which they have already played superbly and given the city something to be truly proud of.

And as if that wasn't enough, the following day the nerves of Bradfordians will be put to the test again when City take on Wimbledon, with whom they share the lower rungs of the Premiership. Win or lose, this will not be the ultimate decider as to who stays and who is relegated. But it is a key match and victory for City would enable Bradford people to breathe a little more easily again.

The Bantams have played well during their Premiership months, and won a lot of respect for their pluck and tenacity. Fortunately a run of matches during which goals proved elusive appears to have come to and end.

They proved, against Derby and Sunderland, that they are back on form. We wish them and the Bulls all the very best on this momentous weekend.

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