Wood you believe it?

GO FOR IT . . . Royton skipper Denny Hulme is backing his men to pull off another shock

DENNY Hulme became an instant hero when he guided Royton to the JW Lees Bitter Wood Cup final with a true captain’s knock against Rochdale.

But that will be nothing compared to his status if he becomes the first Royton man to lift the famous old CLL trophy with victory over Norden at Walsden CC on Sunday.

The Wood Cup was first played for in 1921, and Royton have yet to win it. They have been in 10 finals, the most recent in 2011, and have been beaten every time.

Middleton were their conquerors four seasons ago at Monton and Weaste in a game which Royton let slip through their fingers. So can it be 11th time lucky for Hulme and his team?

“I certainly hope so,” admitted Hulme. “We know we are not favourites against a strong Norden team, but I have to say we are quietly confident. We are not scared and know what we have to do.”

Royton overcame the odds to beat Premier Division leaders Walsden in the quarter-finals and Rochdale in the semis. On both occasions, Hulme was there at the death and his 25 not out against Rochdale earned him the man of the match award.

“I’m actually averaging 76 in this year’s Wood Cup,” chuckled Hulme. “To reach the final is great and even more so to contribute personally, too. Our games have followed a similar pattern with runs being needed from the lower order and I have been there at the end. It’s been a big team effort to get this far.”

One more outstanding team performance is needed if Royton are to achieve the club’s Holy Grail of Wood Cup success. Hulme believes the prospects are good.

“There are loads of omens which suggest we might do it. We have never won the trophy and, with the Pennine League next year, it feels like it’s the last chance the Wood Cup will be played for as we know it. “It’s also our first year without club stalwart Trevor Lewis and a few of the lads, including myself, have been blessed with children recently.

“It would be unbelievable if we could do it and I know there are seven coachloads of supporters from here and pubs in Royton going to the game to cheers us on. I just hope the ground is big enough to

accommodate them!”

twitter: @KeithMcHughOC