10/09/2026
Wishing all the lads and coaches from Thatto Heath Crusaders U12s 2026 good luck for their final on Saturday but especially two of our women’s sons Alfie & Louis.
Both boys are very much part of the Masters extended family and we are incredibly proud.
As our 𝐔𝟏𝟐𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐬 prepare for their 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐖𝐂 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 this coming weekend, we’re sure you’ll join us in wishing the lads — and their coaches Ian Lynch, Neil Rigby, Lee Wilburn and Matty Norton, their staff and volunteers and their parents — all the luck in the world.
Club Vice‑Chair Dave Yates sat down with Ian Lynch earlier this week to find out how they're looking ahead to a huge moment for the team.
𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥:
The message to the boys from the coaches is to go out there & enjoy the day, continue to play how we have all season & the result will take care of itself, to our supporters thank you so much for all your help along the way, just like the boys you have believed in the process & backed us all the way, I’m sure cup final day will be no different.
𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐐 + 𝐀
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: The way the group have bought into & committed to everything we as coaches have thrown at them since the cold wet preseason & beyond.
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: Two particular ones in all honesty stand out, an early away game to Waterhead against a team who had dominated us last season & was unbeaten like ourselves this season, a very physical game that we stood up against a strong opposition & came away with a deserved 18-16 win, also a comeback win against a resurgent Newton Storm team, we were 10 nil down with about 10 minutes left & we turned it around with 19-10 win!
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: The coaching staff are immensely proud of how far our boys have come this season, the boys themselves have grown week in week out & have found a belief in their own ability, as for the wider community it shows what a group of boys with the right attitude & behaviours can achieve when everyone is pulling in the same direction.
Preparation & Mindset
Q: How has the energy and atmosphere in training been throughout the week leading up to the big game?
A: From the coaches down to the players there has been a calm approach to finals day, the energy is in a good place & we have been building to this week since the return from the summer break & have set expectations accordingly.
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 have taken time to plan the week, training has been tailored to this effect & we have made suitable arrangements to keep everyone grounded & focused on the job in hand.
Q: What is the key message you’ll be leaving the players with right before they step out of the changing room on match day?
A: Play the match not the occasion, stick to what has got us where we are today, play as a team & with a smile on our faces.
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: That would be telling wouldn’t it! We have a plan in mind & we know the way we like our team to play, that never changes, I’ve every confidence in the boys to deliver.
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: Pilks have earned the right to be in the final, they’ve picked up results along the way which have turned heads, obviously they are a good team & deserve to be respected, make no mistake we will not be taking them lightly.
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: It goes without saying a high completion rate sees us with a good chance of lifting the trophy, that’s the aim but we also pride ourselves on good defence with everyone working for each other.
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 boys on the pitch?
A: All season we have had brilliant backing home & away from family & friends, cup final day will be no different, we will bring a big crowd who will encourage the boys throughout.
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: Enjoy your rugby & the friendships you’ll make along the way, one day you might have the chance to experience a finals day yourself & it will be a day to remember for all your life.
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: Exciting, Resilient, Friends
Q: Finally, what will be the single most important factor for Thatto Heath to lift the trophy this weekend?
A: Teamwork
