Bramley Buffaloes will be aiming to make it third time lucky as they embark on their fifth consecutive Grand Final appearance in the fourth tier of rugby league.
It’s been a remarkable journey for the community owned West Leeds club since the original Bramley folded in 1999 and head coach Mark Butterill, in his first season in charge, is well aware of the need to perform on the big stage.
“This is what we’ve been aiming for all season but the job is far from done,” explained Butterill who played for the original Amber and Black in the nineties “and we’ll be going all out to win the Grand Final and bring the trophy back to Bramley.
“The last two seasons have been disappointing as we failed at the final hurdle but I have fond memories of the 2006 final when we beat Hemel Stags at Warrington and I’ll be looking for a repeat against Huddersfield Rangers.
“We need to recapture that spirit,” added Butterill who starred in the victory over Hemel as player coach under the auspices of former head coach Paul Cook who has since gone on to help Huddersfield Giants establish themselves as a Super League force this season.
“We’ve got a great sense of togetherness and unity in the squad and a lot of players who have now been with the club since it reformed in 2003. That experience will help a lot but there is no way we will underestimate our opposition.
“Both regular season games against Huddersfield have been exciting and tight contests with a win apiece, each by two points, and we were fortunate to squeeze past them into the play-offs last week. It promises to be a real cracker!
“Once again we will be backed by hundreds of our loyal supporters and sponsors and we hope they’ll make some noise at Warrington. The heritage of Bramley and the excellent fan base are the reasons why we keep attracting talented players and that has helped us progress on and off the pitch.
“It will be another fantastic occasion for the club but we won’t be happy unless that trophy returns back along the M62 to West Leeds!” concluded Butterill.
The Buffaloes take on Huddersfield Rangers in the RFL Conference Grand Final at Warrington on Sunday 4th October (kick off 12.30pm).
Tickets can be purchased from the RFL with the Buffaloes running a fleet of coaches to the Grand Final. For more details contact the RFL 0844-856-1113 or visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk. To book a place on the Bramley coaches please contact Pam on 07972097884.