This coming weekend (Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October), West Bank Bears will host the NWML Grand Finals, bringing the season to a close with a suitable crescendo.
It was a clean sweep for the town of Wigan when it came to winning the League Leaders’ Shields, with Orrell St James, Hindley Stags, Wigan St Judes NWML, and Spring View finishing top of their respective divisions from Premier Division right through to Division 3. All four teams have also progressed through to the Grand Finals.
Saturday 4 October:
Division 2 – 1pm KO – Wigan St Judes NWML v Runcorn Highfield
Having been promoted from Division 3 last season, both Wigan St Judes NWML and Runcorn Highfield could’ve been forgiven for thinking the Play-Offs and Grand Finals were out of their reach.
However, after a strong campaign, the teams have finished first and second respectively and will now battle it out in the final. St Judes beat Roose Pioneers 36-6 in the Play-Offs, whilst Runcorn defeated Garswood Stags 36-26.
Premier Division – 3pm KO – Orrell St James v Blackbrook
Orrell St James finished their league campaign unbeaten, and having already picked up the NWML Cup and League Leaders' Shield, they’re looking to complete the treble when they face off against Blackbrook on Saturday.
The St Helens side had a consistent season and managed to overcome last season’s Champions, Haresfinch, in the Play-Offs with a 32-12 victory Away from home. Orrell beat Ashton Bears 20-0 in the other semi final.
Sunday 5 October:
Division 3 – 1pm KO – Spring View v Blackpool Scorpions
After just one defeat all season, Spring View were the stand out team in Division 3, so will go into the Grand Final with confidence, boosted by a 44-10 win over Portico Vine last weekend. They will face Blackpool Scorpions, a team from outside the traditional heartlands of Rugby League, but one that has been successful in the past.
The Scorpions came away 58-34 victors against Culcheth Eagles in the Play-Offs and will hope to carry that through to this Sunday.
Division 1 – 3pm KO – Hindley Stags v Chorley Panthers
The final game of the weekend will see Hindley Stags take on Chorley Panthers. Another team with only one defeat in the regular rounds, Hindley have already gone one step further than last season when they lost in the Play-Offs.
A comprehensive 48-12 win over Waterhead Warriors A this season, however, shows that they will be a real threat in the Grand Final.
Their opponents, Chorley Panthers, narrowly beat West Bank Bears on Saturday by 30-26, but they will take great confidence from that as the Widnes outfit had finished second in the league after 18 rounds. It promises to be a thrilling account to sign off the 2025 season.
All NWML finals will be streamed live via the RFL’s official YouTube channel.
For those attending in person, there will be an entry charge of £3 for adults and £1 for children (Under 16s), with spectators being able to pay by either card or cash. Please note there is a strict no dogs policy.
