Steve Conolly says he will be bursting with pride when he steps up and captains Beverley ARLC in their Tom Beautiman Cup Final against Hull Dockers A.
The vice captain will be leading the team out in the absence of Ryan Watkin, who is unavailable for the game.
Speaking ahead of the match Conolly told HU17.net
“I have been assistant captain for three years now and enjoy the leadership role that comes with it. I would rather be assistant captain for the final as not having Watkin available for the final is a huge loss to the team.”
“Saying that I will be full of pride leading the team out to the field on sat in what is a massive game for Beverley ARLC.”
Beverley are a force to be reckoned with this season and are arguably the team to beat this season. With the final just hours away Conolly said that confidence is high in the dressing room, he said;
“Going into the final as we are top of the league, and we are playing consistently well in every game, myself and all the lads are feeling extremely confident we can get a positive result.”
Beverley have not taken anything lightly as they prepare for the final. The side has been training throughout the festive period ahead of one biggest fixtures in the club history, he said;
“We’ve had a lot of good-quality sessions over the Christmas period much to the delight of some of the boys!”
“That said we have had massive numbers down and got through a lot of hard work, so they will be no excuses come final day because the preparation has been spot on.”
“Pat Howdle has done an amazing job since he started his role at the club, the guy is vastly experienced within the game, and I feel everyone can see the fruits of his labour.”
“We are much fitter than last season and as the league table suggests those hill sprints and squatting the steps at Beverley Racecourse are paying off.”
“Pat came to the club with Duncan O’Connor who is one of the best physio’ s around these parts and with some of the new warm-up exercises he’s applied the big lads are reaping the rewards. Lee Stevens can now tie his laces stood up.”
On Saturday, Conolly will look to benefit from all the hard work and efforts of the coaching team. Winning this title will mean a lot to the player, he said;
“To win such a prestigious trophy like the Tom Beautiman Cup would be a honour, and I’m feeling extremely privileged to be in a position to lift the cup and come Saturday, and I aim to do just that.”
