World Footy News

The Huddersfield Rams have scored an epic come-from-behind win to deny Birmingham in the ARUK Central Grand Final.

Played in front of a great crowd, 150 strong at the Huddersfield Rugby Union Club Lockwood Park Huddersfield, the Bears took full advantage of their opportunities to enjoy a three goal lead at 3 quarter time.

All the momentum was with the Bears and a huge upset looked on the cards, however an injury to Bears captain Matt Mitchell caused the game to be delayed by 20 minutes while the ambulance service took him to hospital after a dislocated knee.

The Rams came out for the last quarter a different team and slammed on goal after goal to emerge victors by 21 points in an unforgettable Grand Final - final scores Huddersfield Rams 13.27 (105) d. Birmingham Bears 12.12 (84)

Rams founder Karl Haigh described the match as "the best day of our lives", and says the club has big plans for the future, with a junior team in operation and a 5-year-plan in place that envisages a club tour to Australia.

Haigh says the Rams have developed far beyond expectations, now having a board, a Major Sponsor in Easi Lift Loading Systems,club constitution and grass roots development under way. "We have big plans here in Huddersfield with the whole town behind us in support. The media love us and cant get enough of us at the moment, so we are making the most of it, appearing on TV a couple of times (as seen here on YouTube)."

"We have a regular page in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner with pre and post match reports every Friday and we have been on the radio a couple of times also - so we are proper buzzing about it as you can imagine."

"When super coach Neil Morrison got intouch it was a blessing, as we would never be in this position if it wasnt for him. He was asked to be the ARUK Central Warriors Representative sides coach which played in the Brit Cup on the 4th of July, which involved myself and 5 other Rams in Reading. This was a massive honour for him and off the back of this he was then asked to be involved in the England Dragonslayers setup as a selector."

"We have gone from being a squad of 8 lads having a kickabout to being a squad of 21 seniors and 16 juniors, with the amazing Huddersfield Rugby Club to call our home. We are the Envy of the ARUK with our setup, which we are so proud of as we have worked so hard to get to this."

"I am so proud of my lads and what we have achieved in our first ever season. My family and friends are also proud of what I have achieved personally this year with starting the Rams and playing in the Central Warriors side in Reading which was an honour."

"To top it all off, myself and two other Rams have been selected for the England Dragonslayers Trials on Sunday 23rd August which has blown me away, hopefully I can prove myself and book my seat on the plane to Croatia to help retain the EU Cup".

The Rams have big plans for the 2010 season, their website will be ready in the next couple of weeks and they are planning to hold the ARUK National Club Carnival at the beginning of the footy season, potentially with almost thirty clubs in attendance from across Britain.

At a club level, the Rams are focussing on keeping the Flag, and developing 3 junior sides - under 12's,14's and 16's. Haigh has ambitious plans for the group, stating "Our big plan we hope to achieve by 2014 is to take all 4 teams (3 junior sides and the seniors) to Australia to tour and play in every state. We are focusing on the grass roots footy big style in 2010, as we feel this is where it is most important for the sport to develope in this country."

"We are currently holding teacher inset days so we can develop the sport in 10 schools around the Huddersfield area. These have been a great success so far and we have quite a few other schools interested in following suit when the pilot scheme is over."

"The ARUK Central Division has been a great success this season ending up with 4 good competitive established clubs - Huddersfield Rams, Birmingham Bears, Leeds Bombers and Liverpool Eagles. It started out as 5 with Sheffield Thunder involved, but they were a very student-based club which fell by the wayside when exams and holidays came. But they're now back up and running and going to compete in 2010."

"We have been very impressed by the passion of the ARUK who will do anything they can to help their clubs and help develop new sides throughout the UK and cannot thank them enough for the help and support the Rams have got throughout the season."