Clubs > Elland > The 2001 Yorkshire Cup Final

The 2001 Yorkshire Cup Final

Reaching the Yorkshire Cup Final really put Elland’s revival in the public eye. After some years in the doldrums – well, by Elland’s very high standards – the club had a bland of good young players including Oliver Fairbank and some experienced warriors including veteran half-back Adam Olroyd.

At the helm was coaching duo Karl and John Fairbank, Club captain, Junaid Mailk, was full of praise for the way Karl coached and motivated the players.

“Karl’s man management was very good. He didn’t do a lot of technical stuff but we played touch together. Everyone looked up to him and followed what he wanted. There was great respect for him.”

Elland had started the competition with a bye in the first round. In the second round they had a tricky away tie at Keighley Albion but beat them by 18 points without conceding. They then progressed through the rounds with a series of home ties.

The closest was against a strong Stanningley side but on the whole Elland played well and thoroughly deserved their place in the Final.

There were reports in several newspapers of the day in this pre-internet era when newspapers were still the main source of sports coverage. Reports appeared in the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Halifax Courier, the Huddersfield Examiner, Rugby Leaguer and Rugby League Weekly. (see archive file)

All the reports agree that it was Elland magnificent defensive effort and tenacity which won then the trophy as Sharlston, from the Yorkshire League, battered the Elland goal line for long periods.

An exciting, really tough game of Rugby League was a great game to watch. On the three-quarter mark the teams were tied at 6 apiece and Oliver Fairbank’s weaving try the Elland highlight up to that point.

Elland then introduced Adam Olroyd from the bench. Adam kicked a one pointer to push Elland ahead and then followed captain and stand-off, Junaid Malik, to score the decisive try to which fullback, Johnny Moore, added the two points with his second conversion of the game.

For Adam and the club, the day was tinged with some sadness as Adam’s mother, Mary,  and wife of BARLA Chair, Maurice Olroyd, had passed away a little over a month prior to the final. Mary was one of the key people at the club. She was around the club in good times and the times when Elland were struggling for players and just scraping a team together. Adam summed up his feelings immediately after the game.

“The only sad thing is that my mum wasn’t here to see us win. But I am sure wherever she is she will be smiling and be very proud not only of me but of the whole Elland club.”

Elland were back! And they enjoyed the day.