As the Northern Rail Cup Final draws nearer, we present a full statistical preview of the big clash in Blackpool:
FINAL APPEARANCES
WHITEHAVEN have never won a final in any competition. They have appeared in only two, losing in the National League One Grand Final in 2004 and 2005. The only trophy they have lifted is the National League One Leaders Shield in 2005.
WIDNES VIKINGS have appeared in 48 finals, winning 25. Their last win was when they won the Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final in 2001. They were beaten in last year?s National League One Grand Final.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Widnes Vikings have won the last six meetings. Whitehaven?s last defeat of Widnes was 13-6 at home in a 2000 Northern Ford Premiership match. Since then the results have been:
2000 Widnes 22 v Whitehaven 12 League
2001 Widnes 22 v Whitehaven 14 League
Whitehaven 14 v Widnes 16 League
2006 Whitehaven 16 v Widnes 38 League
Widnes 26 v Whitehaven 12 League
Widnes 24 v Whitehaven 20 Play off
RECORD FINAL APPEARANCE
JOHN DUFFY of Whitehaven is set to appear in a record-equalling third National League Cup final. The scrum half was a winner with Leigh Centurions in 2004, having been a loser with them the previous year.
Three players have already played in three finals. They are Leroy Rivett (Leigh 2003 L; Hull KR 2005 W, 2006 L); Paul Rowley (Leigh 2003 L, 2004 W, 2006 W); Makali Aizue (Hull KR 2004 L, 2005 W, 2006 L)
Duffy is the only Whitehaven player to have appeared in a National League Cup final. Widnes have four players who have played in the final with other clubs. They are: Dean Gaskell (Leigh 2006 won), Andy Kirk (Salford 2003 won), Gareth Price (Hull KR 2006 lost), Oliver Wilkes (Leigh 2004 won).
IMPORTANT TICKET NEWS
Tickets for the match continue to sell very quickly and with the stadium's capacity at just over 9,500 a tremendous atmosphere is guaranteed with both clubs being well represented by large contingents of supporters
Commenting on the situation, the RFL Ticket Office Manager Kevan Williams said: "Demand for tickets for the Northern Rail Cup Final has been extremely strong since the two finalists were confirmed and we anticipate that this will continue this week.
"The clear message to supporters has to be that they should secure their seats as soon as possible and not miss of on what will be a tremendous event for their clubs."
Supporters wishing to secure the remaining seats should contact the ticket offices at the competing clubs as soon as possible.
A small quantity of tickets are also still available from the RFL Ticket Office on 0871 226 13 13.
The remaining tickets are priced ?12 adults and ?5 concessions
WIN TICKETS - The RFL are also giving fans the chance to win a pair of tickets to the final. To be entered into the free prize draw simply email your details to
rflmedia@rfl.uk.com stating 'Northern Rail Cup Final' in the subject box.
The Northern Rail Cup Final 2007
Widnes Vikings v Whitehaven
Bloomfield Road
Blackpool
ko 2.15pm
Sorri if its already been posted
