Skirlaugh RL Flashback – 20 Years Since National Cup Glory
Skirlaugh RL Flashback – 20 Years Since National Cup Glory
Today marks the 20th anniversary of one of the greatest days in the history of Skirlaugh A.R.L.F.C. as the club lifted the BARLA National Cup with a memorable victory over Leigh Miners Rangers at Blackpool’s famous Broomfield Road.
With the current first team beginning another BARLA National Cup journey last Saturday, it is the perfect time to look back on the success of 2006 when Skirlaugh once again proved themselves among the elite of the amateur game.
On this day 20 years ago, Skirlaugh defeated Leigh Miners Rangers 26-13 in the final to claim the club’s fourth BARLA National Cup crown, adding to previous triumphs in 1996, 1999 and 2000.
The victory completed another outstanding cup run for the East Yorkshire side and cemented Skirlaugh’s reputation as one of the leading clubs in the amateur game during that era.
Leigh Miners Rangers arrived at the final as one of the strongest amateur sides in the country, having enjoyed major success in the National Conference League during that era. But on finals day it was Skirlaugh who produced the big-game performance.
The triumph also cemented Skirlaugh’s reputation as one of the powerhouse clubs of amateur rugby league during the late 1990s and 2000s. The club would go on to achieve even greater success the following season by winning the National Conference League title.
One notable milestone from the final saw Phil Crane make his fifth National Cup Final appearance, collecting his fourth winners medal in Skirlaugh colours — a remarkable achievement in the amateur game.
A special mention must go to current Head Coach Matt Danville, who on the day delivered a standout performance to collect the prestigious Tom Keavaney Sword as Man of the Match — a fitting recognition for one of the finest displays in a National Cup Final by a Skirlaugh player.
What makes the achievement even more special is the lasting connection many of that squad still have with the club today. Seven members of the matchday squad remain heavily involved at Skirlaugh through the coaching setup and the club’s Ex-Players Association, continuing to help drive the club forward and support the next generation coming through.
That continued commitment perfectly reflects what Skirlaugh has always been about — a strong community club built on loyalty, hard work and lifelong friendships.
The Winning Team
Full Back
Brendan Lewis
Wingers
Paul Hannath
Dave Lamb
Centres
Simon Kilby
Matt Danville
Half Backs
Paul Garner
Rob Blakeborough
Props
Kev Sumpton
Steve Cochran
Second Row
Phil Crane
Sean Wildbore
Loose Forward
Mark Spence
Hooker
Chris Batty
Substitutes
Andrew Moody
Ashley Johannessen
Kirk Abel
Dave Wilson
Steve Atkinson
Luke Tripp
Coaches
Rich Gotts
Col Brown
Tony Spence
Twenty years on, the achievement remains one of the proudest moments in Skirlaugh Rugby League history and serves as inspiration for the current generation as another National Cup campaign gets underway.
Everyone connected with the club remembers that famous afternoon in Blackpool with enormous pride — and the legacy of that team continues to shape Skirlaugh Rugby League to this day.