10/09/2026
🖤❤️🤍
As our 𝐔𝟏𝟒𝐬 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 ready themselves for their 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 this weekend — we know the whole club will be right behind them.
Coaches 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧, 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧, along with their staff, volunteers and parents, have guided this group superbly all season. Now it’s time for the girls to take centre stage.
Club Vice-Chair Dave Yates caught up with Paul Griffin this week, for an insight into how they're preparing.
𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟'𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 to all:
Girls you've consistently worked towards this fantastic opportunity to be crowned the Premier Division Champions & with that the tag of 'The Best U14s Girls RL Team in the Country'.
Saturday is your moment to showcase your skill, attitude & team spirit that your supporters & followers see week after week on the pitch & training paddock.
Your families, supporters & the entire Thatto Heath Crusaders club are very proud of you as our ambassadors on this occasion.
Give everything you've got as we know you undoubtedly will!
Setting the Scene & The Journey
Q First off, congratulations on reaching the final. When you look back at where this group started in pre-season, what stands out most about the journey to this weekend?
A
Cheers Dave, the team are really chuffed to be in the Grand final.
The playing group are very talented & their work ethic showed from minute one of pre-season in early December. I suppose the stand out thing to mention is the competitiveness of the girls. They always have a really good dig on gamedays.
Competing for everything is at the core of what they do.
Q Was there a specific moment or performance this season where you felt, ‘This squad has what it takes to go all the way’?
A
The coaching team have always known this group of players has the ability to compete at the highest level in their age group. For some they'll likely push on further than community rugby as they get older.
Our job has always been to channel them towards achieving team success, whilst creating the best rugby journey for all of them.
Q Reaching a major final is a huge milestone for Thatto Heath. What does this achievement mean to the coaching staff, the players, and the wider club community?
A
Reaching this final is a great opportunity for the players. They're buzzing to be in the Grand Final & get a shot at being crowned Champions.
For all connected with the team the excitement is building & it would be remiss of me to not give a nod to the players' parents, families & wider group connected with the team.
They've certainly bought into what the coaching team & players have worked towards & set as our goals. Plenty time has been spent on touchlines during field & fitness sessions by the players parents, in support of their daughters efforts to get where they are this weekend.
From a wider club perspective we hope to show the other girls teams they to can shine in a big occasion & get their big RL moments.
Preparation & Mindset
Q How has the energy and atmosphere in training been throughout the week leading up to the big game?
A
Training focus & intensity has stepped up a few gears in recent weeks, knowing the Play Offs are upon us has had a big positive impact for sure.
I think the parents & supporters are more excited than the players to be honest!
Q A major final brings extra pressure and media attention. How are you keeping the squad focused on the task at hand rather than playing the occasion?
A
We know what has got us in this position & consistency in what we do is the main theme. 'If it isn't broke, don't fix it!'
In that context, our lead into the Grand Final will be a very similar week to those that have gone before.
Q What is the key message you’ll be leaving the players with right before they step out of the changing room on matchday?
A
Compete hard as you always do. Focus on your job. If you perform to the best of your ability, the result will take care of itself.
Tactics & Matchup
Q Without giving away the game plan, what do you see as the key battlegrounds that will decide the outcome of this match?
A
Having played the Rose Bridge Pantheresses a couple of times already this season, both teams know each other well.
They have threats across the park & if we defend well as a unit we'll certainly be in with a shout come the final whistle.
Q Your opponents earned their spot in the final for a reason. What primary threats do they pose, and how do you plan to neutralize them?
A
Rose Bridge posted a great victory in their semi final at Myton, so they've deservedly got to the big occasion.
They carry the ball strongly & are fierce competitors. We'll be aiming to match that & show our resilience when tested.
Q In big finals, discipline and executing the basics often make the difference. How crucial will control and completion rates be early in the contest?
A
Completion is a massive factor in any game. The fact it is a Final can make players edgy & ex*****on drops off.
However our players have talent & we won't be asking for changes to how they play. The mantra is play what you see, be confident & compete hard.
Club, Community & Fans
Q The travelling support and clubhouse backing for Thatto Heath are always vocal. How much of a boost does that crowd energy give the girls on the pitch?
A
We have great travelling support & after 6 away league fixtures in Yorkshire this season, they're getting used to the early Saturday starts from Close St.
As a team we foster a unified pack mentality & our fans are part of that. We know they're always fully behind us & the girls pay that back in how they play.
To quote one of our parents in the team - The Players are a bastion of Girls RL.
Q For the junior players and young teams across the club watching this weekend, what message does this squad's success send about the pathway here at Thatto Heath?
A
Our team's success shows that being part of the Thatto Heath Crusaders club, provides players with a great environment to be the best they can be.
If young players have the hunger, work ethic & character to push themselves, then Thatto Heath Crusaders can be your start to a great Rugby journey with many highs & lifelong mates to boot.
Quickfire / Finishing Questions
Q If you had to describe the identity and spirit of this team in just three words, what would they be?
A
Competitive - Honest - Committed
Q Finally, what will be the single most important factor for Thatto Heath to lift the trophy this weekend?
A
Committed, relentless defending.
