Northern Rail Bowl preview: North Wales v London (Sat)

North Wales Crusaders coach Clive Griffiths admits he might not be able to stop the tears if the Crusaders can win Saturday’s Northern Rail Bowl.

Griffiths said: “I was pretty emotional when we qualified for the final, but I’ll have to be sponsored by Kleenex if we actually win it.”

He added: “One of my favourite sayings is that the ‘work in progress’ signs are still around the ground and training ground, but we’ve made terrific progress.

“From a blank sheet of paper in December 2011 to where we are now 18 months later is Roy of the Rovers stuff.”

Crusaders will start as favourites in their first major final, but London Skolars coach Joe Mbu remains quietly confident after a four-match winning streak.

Mbu said: “For the players and everyone involved, we’re just looking forward to enjoying the day and making the most of it. We want to be 100 per cent in terms of our preparation.”

The Skolars are at full strength for Saturday’s match, while Toby Adamson (ankle) is Crusaders’ only doubt.