Thatto Heath look to add to trophy cabinet

Amateur club Thatto Heath are preparing for two separate finals this weekend for both their firsts and ‘B’ side. 

Thatto Heath will face West Hull in the Kingstone Press National Conference League Grand Final, whilst the ‘B’ side take on Wigan Spring View in the North West Men’s League Division Three Grand Final.

Featherstone Rovers’ LD Nutrition Stadium will play hosts for the NCL Grand Final, whilst the Championship side prepare for their own against Toronto Wolfpack for a place in the Betfred Super League.

The ‘B’ team head to Victoria Park, Warrington, with six Grand Finals on display across the weekend from the Premier Division to Division Five.

“There is a lot of excitement around the club this week and we fell just short of having all three open ages teams in their respective grand finals,” said Thatto Heath ‘B’ head coach Tom Williams.

“The National Conference League lads have a huge game on Saturday to crown themselves the best in the country, so hopefully we can follow suit on Sunday with a win.

“Lots of preparations are going on behind the scenes to make it a good weekend for everyone involved. The backroom staff and volunteers at Thatto Heath are some of the best in the game and are very supportive of everything that goes on which makes the place like one big rugby family.

“All the lads are very excited as finals are always a big occasion, whether you’ve played in many or it’s your first. Its very exciting and rewarding for the club to showcase what the club is about on and off the field and hopefully reap the benefits of lots of hard work.

The weekend could see the club add to their already-full trophy cabinet, which has seen them named one of the best amateur sides in the country.

Thatto Heath also enjoyed a successful Challenge Cup run this year, including a tight fifth-round clash against Championship side Dewsbury Rams at their home ground in St Helens.

In the cup run, the side also defeated Stanningley, Leigh Miners, Rochdale Mayfield and Championship 1 North Wales Crusaders.

“Our club ethos is to be as successful as possible on and off the pitch,” said Williams.

“Already this year the NCL side had a great Challenge Cup run and the ‘A’ team already have some silverware and made history by winning the BARLA Cup.

“So, hopefully this weekend can round off another rewarding season with some silverware for the other two teams.

The ‘B’ team only came into existence last year and we won the treble in our debut season so winning back to back finals and gaining promotion again would be a huge achievement for us and the club.”

Previewing the fixture against their fellow Division Three side, Williams added: “Games against Spring View are always a tough encounter as it’s a bit of a St Helens v Wigan derby to start with.

“It’s always a good battle in the forwards, but both sides are able to play some entertaining, flowing rugby.

“Hopefully if the rain holds off both teams can showcase some cracking team and individual skills. Going off our matches this year I expect it to be close, but hopefully with us being on the right side of the scoreline.”

Brought to you by SportsTG, helping community clubs drive participation and revenue through memberships, competition management, club websites and online auctions.