Lancashire Cup Final 07/01/11 : Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:49 pm
Bank Quay Bulls 28-20 West Bank BearsIt was a fantastic match between two very determined sides and a lot closer than the scoreline suggests. West Bank could have won it right up to the end but Bank Quay scored a breakaway clincher with the last play of the game.
West Bank were 16-0 up after half an hour. They played some very slick stuff in the poor conditions but Bank Quay were woeful, completing only one set in 35 minutes and giving away a string of reckles penalties, but they finally got on the scoreboad just before the break to make it 16-6.
Quay scotred two tries in the opening three minutes of the second half to go 18-16 in front but West Bank hit back immediately to lead 20-18 only to conceed a try straight from the kick off, as Bank Quay regained a two-point lead 22-20.
Bank Quay stretched their lead with a late penalty, but played out the last few minutes with 11 men following two sin-binnings, whilst West Bank were down to 12. The Bears could have nicked it at the end as they applied pressure deep in Bank Quay territory, but Quay scored a smart breakway try to win it with the last play of the match.
It was a really absorbing game but I couldn't tell you any of the try scorers on account of the horrendous colour-clash between the two sides. Bank Quay were in their dark purple and red striped home shirts, whilst West Bank played in their black and red striped home colours - it was a bit daft really!
Forget the gulf in divisions between the two sides. It's apparent to everyone that West Bank are playing well below their level and will probably march into the NWC Premier Division within two seasons. They lost their 100% season record tonight but Bank Quay maintained theirs to lift the trophy and will now take some stopping on all fronts. Quay go into the first round of the Challenge Cup and will pose a threat to any Conference sides who cross their path.
It really was a superb match and Leigh Miners were excellent hosts.
