NORLAND Sharks will look to make it a quick-fire double against Bransholme Dales in the Council Cup final at the KC Lightstream Stadium tonight (Wednesday).
Sharks beat Premier Division champions Dales 18-12 to secure the Bassett Cup late last week. And the pair clash again tonight with Sharks looking to defend the trophy they won last year against West Hull.
Sharks coaches Andy Pallant and Kenny Lawler believe their side can add the Council Cup to their Bassett win.
Pallant said: "After a reasonable and solid performance in the Bassett Cup, we go in to the Council Cup with confidence.
"We know Bransholme will be hurting from the defeat, and will come at us with all guns blazing."
Norland, who sit five points adrift of Bransholme in the league table, will be without key play-makers Ben Jarrett and Shane Tidswell due to injury.
Rob Loughran returns at centre alongside powerful back, Nick Arnell.
Pallant believes the props and forwards will be vital tonight and said: "I think the key to our success will be to keep on top of Bransholme's big pack, with our props Sam Sanders and Lee Miller, plus the impressive young trio George Lawler, Masimba Matonga and Liam Robinson being in the starting line-up in the pack."
Bransholme coaches Sonny Esselmont and Sonny Wilson have a selection problem due to injuries.
But there is a positive note as Wilson said: "Sean Parker and Leon Kinsley are available after months out injured, but in-form prop Alex Moody remains a doubt for us.
"Top points scorer Luke Yeaman is only 50-50, as is our other hooker Anthony Rhodes.
"His brother Chris is having treatment on his thigh, but is hoping to be in the team line-up.
"It would be brilliant if Bransholme can add the Council Cup to the Premier title. Everyone is up for it and hopefully our big fan base will get behind us."
Kick-off is 7pm, with gates opening at 5.30pm. Admission is £2, (OAPS £1, accompanied children free). Refreshments will be on sale at the Harry Poole Bar.
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