Champions clash in Mont Cup final

27/05/2011 @ 10:03

The area’s oldest local cup may have had its problems of late, but that will count for nothing when Spar Division One champions Llanrhaeadr face Division Two kings Montgomery in the season-ending Montgomeryshire Cup final at Berriew (7.30pm).

Last season’s cup was only completed in January and both sides enjoyed a smooth passage to the final after their respective opponent withdrew, in fact Llanrhaeadr has only played two matches after quarter finalists Llangedwyn also pulled out.

But all that will be forgotten, for now, with a big crowd expected for tonight’s final which will bring the curtain down on nine months of competitive local action. And both sides are certainly looking forward to it.

“It should be a cracking final with a big crowd,” said Llanrhaeadr assistant boss Jamie Davies. “Montgomery have had a great season and have some very good players in the side.”

Ken McKay is ruled out tonight while Simon Edwards has a back injury after finishing sixth out of 87 in an Ironman event in Cornwall at the weekend.

“Great effort for an old man,” joked the assistant boss.

Meanwhile tonight’s match brings the curtain down on a fantastic season for Division Two league and cup winners Montgomery who are also holders of the Mont Cup.

“We’re really looking forward to it but I have to admit we are struggling a bit,” said manager Clive McNamee. “We only have 16 signed on and out of those we have one on holiday and Geraint Windsor injured. Jake Parr and Ryan Davies are out of the radius.”

Calls have been made to revamp the competition next season with popular suggestions to run early rounds instead of pre-season friendlies with the final played on Boxing Day.