Leeds Knights Vs Romford Raiders NIHL Cup Final Preview
The Knights have been to the final twice before, but have fallen at the last hurdle against the Swindon Wildcats and Peterborough Phantoms. They will be looking to make it third time lucky.
“It may have been one of the most painful nights in the short history of Leeds Knights, but losing in the NIHL National Cup Final to Peterborough Phantoms two years ago will only have helped the development of the team’s younger players” said Knights forward Matt Haywood.
However, the Raiders are also hungry to cause another upset after knocking out the reigning cup champions (MK Lightning) in the semi-final.
”We will need everyone on their A game against the Knights and we have shown that in games this season, especially against the Lightning in the semi-final, we will need the Raiders fans to come loud and proud!” Said Raiders captain Jack Cooper.
There have been three meetings between these two sides this season with the Knights taking the victories however, the games have been very close. The Raiders will be looking to beat the Knights for the first time since the 2021/22 season.
Ones to watch for the final:
Shaun Miller - The Canadian is currently the 2nd top point scoring in the league 85 points in 39 games. He has been an unbelievable pick up for Adam Laishram’s side this season and has the ability to win the tie for the Raiders. He has also created a great partnership with Andrew Shewfelt this season which will look to try and punish the Knights.
Kieran Brown - He has been the face of the NIHL for the last couple seasons, finishing top point scorer in back-to-back seasons. He has the captaincy role this season and will be the guy the Knights look towards to help them win this trophy for the first time. He has 75 points in just 36 games and scored two big goals last weekend against the MK Lightning.
The first leg will take place in Romford on Saturday at 17:15pm where the Raiders will try and take a lead into the second leg up in Leeds at the Castle on Sunday which also faces off at 17:15pm.
The NIHL has shown over the years that anything can happen and any team can beat anyone on any given night so may the best team win and we are set for two competitive legs of the final!
Tickets are selling fast so make sure you secure you tickets on the teams websites before it is too late, you can also buy the streams for the finals as well also on the teams websites.
