Reigning WRL Wheelchair Invitational League champions The Argonauts, will defend their title on neutral territory on Saturday 16th November, when they face North Wales Crusaders at The Fit Zone, University of South Wales, Treforest Campus (kick-off 11.15am).
This year’s league featured six sides, each of whom had 12 fixtures. The Argonauts, based in Dartford, Kent, were one of two English sides in the league. They were first to qualify for this year’s final, their route confirmed after beating both Cardiff Blue Dragons and Torfaen Tigers on August 3rd. They remained unbeaten in the regular season.
North Wales Crusaders only lost matches to The Argonauts during the regular season. Both were close affairs – they went down 42-18 in their first match in May, before losing 36-28 in a thriller, where the Crusaders led for most of the game, only to concede two tries in the last three minutes.
Argonauts player-coach Fred Nye said: “After securing the top spot last year we knew other teams would be stepping up their games. So we sat down as a team and worked out a plan to develop our non-elite players into more vital role, which is the beauty of the Welsh league set up. No player is there to make up the numbers.
“Crusaders have always been a super competitive team and it was no surprise they pushed us to our limits in our league fixtures. The biggest dark horse of the year was Cardiff Blue Dragons who had some moments of perfect play this year, so the fact the final is being held at their home venue should help tip the club over the edge into a top contender.
“We would like to thank every club and the volunteers who work so hard behind the scenes to progress this league in the right direction. We hope for a strong, competitive finale that will force both teams to raise their game once again, but obviously with us just edging them out for the win.”
Crusaders head coach Gary Taylor said: “We are excited and really looking forward to our first ever Grand Final in the Welsh League. It’s going be a tough game against one of the toughest teams, but then you’d expect that with all the experience from last year’s champions.”
In addition, the Cwpan Sialans Cadair Olwyn will take place at Wrexham University on Sunday 10th November. This will be between the top two Welsh sides in the league – North Wales Crusaders and Crusaders Celts – and kicks off at 2pm.
Due to the amount of registered players that the Crusaders club had at the start of the season, a decision was made to split the sides in two for the Welsh League and Cup and Taylor is delighted that both Wrexham sides have reached the cup final.
Taylor continues: “As for the Welsh Cup Final, with it being a derby game against our Crusaders team-mates, we are looking forward to it. It’s going to be an excellent game to show how well our youngsters are doing. Overall it’s been a good season and all teams have improved. I’m delighted that this game is a Wrexham derby and it should be very entertaining.”
Talking about his Crusaders Celts side, head coach Harry Jones said: “It’s a real honour and privilege to be here for another year and to represent the club. I’m proud of the season we’ve had and now we get our opportunity to finish in the ideal way. I want to enjoy the build first without wishing it away but it’s going to be fantastic being part of this occasion – we’re all determined to bring the cup home and my team are looking for that inter-club bragging rights.
“Coming into the season, my Celts knew how tough it was going to be, not only against the other clubs but also against our inter-club rivals. Though our season hasn’t exactly been completely smooth sailing with some results not going our way, I’m still incredibly proud of how my Celts have performed each week, especially those in the squad that have struggled for game time in recent years or were completely new to the sport come season opener.
“There’s a lot riding on this game, not only have the Crusaders been one of our toughest opponents all year, but we have to train with them each week and we want that final bit of bragging rights come season close.”
There’s no charge for admission for the Grand Final or Cwpan Sialans Cadair Olwyn.