WEST Bowling are chasing a momentous cup double on Monday at Batley Bulldogs' Fox's Biscuits Stadium.
Having already won the Jack Senior Memorial Bradford Cup final last Saturday when they thumped Queensbury 50-10 – one of the highest totals in a decider in the event's history – Bowling face a Bank Holiday test against Doncaster Toll Bar in the PENNINE LEAGUE PRESIDENT'S CUP final (3.30).
Glenn Barraclough’s young side started the season preparing to mature in the Championship Division but, due to events beyond their control, they found themselves left to sink or swim after being catapulted into the Premier Division.
However, West's response was totally unexpected as they took the flagship competition by storm to finish second, as well as reaching the two cup finals.
The key to their success has been tremendous teamwork and undoubted ability, with the vital added ingredient being Barraclough's coaching skills.
The former Bradford Northern hooker started his tutoring career as Bowling's coach and developed them into one of the top teams in the National Conference League.
Barraclough then left for Keighley Cougars, where he honed his expertise further, before returning to his former role.
He has set in place a pattern of play and on-field discipline that has reaped rewards, and it is very difficult to single out any of the squad for special praise.
However, captain Richard Lumb and his namesake Joe provide the forward momentum, while stand-off Max Trueman had a blinder in the Bradford Cup final.
Doncaster Toll Bar are no slouches either, having lost just once in the Championship this term.
They have, however, rightly or wrongly been tagged as a team of glory boys after dodging the early-season enforced promotions, which resulted in them having an easy ride throughout the Championship campaign.
In the league, Queensbury bring their PREMIER DIVISION season to a close with a home game against Upton today.
Bury, who have commendably stuck to their guns despite numerous injuries and unavailabilities, deserve a final tonic to boost morale for next term.
Clayton battle on in Division Three with a home encounter against table-topping Woodhouse Warriors.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here