Ben Rhydding skipper puts double target on the menu (From Ilkley Gazette)

Ben Rhydding skipper puts double target on the menu

11:59pm Thursday 16th August 2012 in Sport By Alan Birkinshaw, Weeklies Sports Editor

Ben Rhydding skipper Nick Smith has set his side a double target – to win Sunday’s Waddilove Cup final and avoid relegation from the Aire Wharfe Division One.

Smith has been encouraged by his team’s two successive league wins and says they are in “optimistic mood” ahead of Sunday’s clash with Colling-ham at Ilkley.

The match should have been played two weeks ago but was abandoned due to torrential rain minutes before the start.

“We warmed up, I won the toss, and then the heavens opened,” said Smith, who revealed that his team will go through the same pre-match ritual.

That means a full English breakfast at their clubhouse before making the short trip to Ilkley’s Denton Road ground.

Smith said: “We are looking forward to the game as it is our first final, but we have to be clear about our objectives.

“Winning the cup will be a marvellous boost, but it will not feel so good if we fail to stay up.

“We have worked so hard to reach the top with successive promotions that we don’t want to slip back now.

“Our recent league form has been encouraging and with five games to go we have to make sure that we guarantee our safety.

”Spectators who attended the first final and can present their copy of the match programme will be admitted free.

Admission is £1 for adults and £1.50 for concessions.