THE Bob Rudd Summer Cup final will be played tonight in the Blenheim between the King's Head and The Brewers Arms.
The Kings Head, which to captain Steven Browns credit is their B team despite the obvious tempatation to bring in the A teams big gu
ns have had a few tight scrapes along the way.
They only disposed of the Queens Head and the Blenheim in deciding frames, but easily overcame the Golf Club winning 10 - 2 on aggregate and must start the final as clear favourites.
There is always an underdog in sport and the rise of the Brewers Arms pool team is a rags to riches tale over the past few years. They have upset a few of the bigger sides in the leagues in the odd cup game and last season were pipped on the final night for the third division title at Blenheim and will hoping they have more luck in Spittal on this occasion.
Their route to the final has been one of outstanding achievement as they disposed of the Bonarsteads (Angel A) 10 - 8 before eliminating both the Thatch teams, the B team 10 - 3 and the A team in the semi final 10 - 6, this after losing at the Battery 5 - 4 in the first leg.
Winning 6 - 1 at the Thatch A is no mean feat as other first division teams can state and this result will have them in high spirits for the final. Captain Mark Purvis stated that he was 'chuffed' for his lads, as they deserve it" despite the fact that he will miss the final. Selection may be a problem for the team but the team spirit is clearly there and that may just be enough to edge the final. One thing is for sure some of the best young players will playing and an exciting final is expected.
The cups long term sponsor since 1977 Bob Rudd is travelling from Newcastle to attend the final and present the trophy, the break off is at 8.30pm.
The 2010/11 league season breaks off for its 35th season on Thursday 2 September with 28 teams playing in two leagues of 14. The closure of the Bonarsteads sees their team now playing as the Rob Roy B. With the closure it sees yet another of the original league teams fold.
The only remaining teams from the 16 who started the debut season in 1975 are the Red Lion Spittal, Brewers Arms and Grove who each had two teams and the Thatch who provided just the one. The original winners were the Old Hen & Chickens B who defeated the Grove A 7-2 in a play off.
Fixtures on the opening night are
Division 1 - Blenheim A v Harrow B, Brown Bear B v Rob Roy B, Grove A v Brown Bear A, Kings Head A v Kings Head B, Meadow House v Queens Head B, Queens Head A v TBC, Red Lion Spittal A v Thatch A
Division 2 - Albion A v Red Lion Spittal B,Brewers Arms v Rob Roy A, Free Trade A v Free Trade B,Harrow A v Albion B, MFGC v SBC, Ord House v Blenheim B, Thatch B v Grove A
