Haresfinch A.R.L.F.C. are another club set to make their Betfred Challenge Cup debut in 2024, and are excited for the opportunity, following a remarkable 2023 campaign in the Premier Division of the North West Men’s League.
Operating since 1978 and a community driven club based in the heart of St Helens, Haresfinch earned promotion to the North West Premier Division in 2022, after finishing top of Division One and with a victory in the league’s Grand Final.
They also made club history in 2023, reaching their first ever BARLA National Cup Final. They faced tough opponents in Siddal ARLFC, who have been a competitive side in the Premier Division of the National Conference League for many years.
Back to back tries for Siddal in the later stages of the game would seal the win for the West Yorkshire outfit, but being able to contest so closely with a bigger side was a huge achievement and milestone for Haresfinch.
Now competing in the Premier Division of the North West League, Haresfinch ended the 2023 season in an impressive second place.
The club’s secretary Dom Gale has been his role at the club for a staggering 20 years and talks of being welcomed with open arms, after moving over from the army and living in Aberdeen.
“Before I moved over here, I didn’t really know what rugby league was. I was just welcomed into the environment, and now I’m trying to get as many people as possible involved.
“St Helens is a very rich rugby league town with its clubs, and we attract a lot of spectators.”
Gale speaks highly of his dedicated volunteers, staff and players, highlighting that there are people involved in the club who didn’t know much about rugby league prior, just like himself. He is also proud of head coaches Andy Murray and Mark Saunders, who are seeing their plans for the club finally come into fruition. Gale is also passionate about sending out a similar message to that of which Haresfinch gave to him, 20 years ago.
“We make it as fun and as welcoming and inclusive as possible.”
This club are also extremely keen to grow the game at grassroots level and reach out to and make connections with as many people as possible. With just one junior team initially, Haresfinch now have seven separate junior teams, which is fantastic for local youngsters looking to join and be involved in the sport. Information on their junior teams can be found here.
Focusing on the first team, Dom Gale has outlined the club’s targets for 2024, where second best will not suffice in the NW Premier Division.
“We really want to go that place further next year and win the league.
“The aim is to win this league, go as far as we can in the Challenge Cup, and grow the game and the club.”
Looking ahead to what will be their first ever Betfred Challenge Cup appearance, Gale said:
“The inclusion into the Challenge Cup is a massive step forward for us, (with) all of the social media exposure that will come from it and the extra spotlight that will be put on our club.
“A home fixture would be superb, but we’ll take anyone on and go anywhere. We’ll be ready.”
The First and Second Round draws of the Betfred Challenge Cup will take place on Tuesday 5 December on BBC Radio Manchester, live at 6:40pm.
Tickets for the Betfred Challenge Cup Final on Saturday 8 June are on sale now, with 25% off all ticket prices for a limited time only! Available to purchase here.
