West Leeds hoping to complete double at HQ

The newly-crowned Yorkshire Two champions hope to visit HQ and bring the national title back to the city, too.

It will be third time lucky if they do having lost in the Senior Vase Final just 12 months ago and also a few years previously as well.

With former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain winger Mark Calderwood in their ranks, and the stunning form they are in, it would be no surprise if they did.

“There should be a lot of people coming down, we’ve got good support,” said head coach Andy Neave.

“There were three coaches at the semi-final and hopefully a similar crowd if not bigger for the final.

“We’re lucky to get another chance and we enjoyed last year but we want to go one better and win this time.

“It’s not a great place to lose if I’m going to be honest but it’s a great place to win.”

Meanwhile, former Leeds Tykes and Wakefield winger Jon Feeley takes charge of Yorkshire for the first time today hoping to produce a brand of rugby that will see more players want to represent their county again. The 37-year-old, who cut his coaching teeth with Wharfedale, begins his reign as they host Lancashire at Scarborough RUFC this afternoon (3pm).

Yorkshire then face away games at Cheshire (Sale FC) next Saturday and Eastern Counties (Cambridge University) the following week as they seek to progress to Twickenham for the final on Sunday, May 29.

Feeley said: “I’m proud to take on the role and it’s a fantastic opportunity to make an impact on the county scene.

“I’ve got a really good platform to start with and have been given the freedom to shape how I’d like things to work.

“I’ve been able to bring in some of my own coaching staff and selected a lot of younger players from around the county who are performing at a high level.

“We’re looking to deliver a brand of positive, open rugby at pace which in turn will encourage players to represent their county again.

Wharfedale No8 Rob Baldwin will captain the side today.