By Martin Morgan

Last updated 11:36, Friday, 23 May 2008

A WATH Brow win over hot favourites East Hull in tomorrow’s National Cup final will supply swift redress for being pipped at the post in their bid for promotion to the amateur game’s top echelon.

Ian Rooney: ‘I honestly believe we can win

That’s the verdict of joint coach Ian Rooney, who was upset to miss out on a return to the National Conference Premier Division at the first attempt when the Hornets were beaten by Thatto Heath in the last league match of the campaign, two weeks ago.

“We were bitterly disappointed to lose it on goal difference, and be the club with most points not to go up,” he said.

“Promotion was a target, but we knew it would be difficult with such a turnover of players over the last 18 months.

“Fair play to Thatto Heath. But to stand there and watch someone celebrating – we don’t want to do that again.

“To win the final would more than make up for it. I don’t want to say that getting to the final is great, because getting there and losing is nothing.

“If we play averagely or poorly, we’ll get beat. But I honestly believe we can win.”

East Hull are coached by Super League star Lee Radford, skipper of Hull FC, and after studying the NCL Grand Final winners on DVD, Rooney reckons they play a similar style to the Airlie Birds.

“They are a well-rounded side,” Rooney added. “In their three games we watched, their completion rate didn’t dip below 80%.

“They are a mini Hull. They grind you down with their big pack.

“They take one giant off and another comes on. They also have skill out wide and it’s not a fluke that they are Grand Final winners.”

A Hornets squad of 21 has trained three nights a week for a month in preparation for tomorrow’s final (3.15pm), with the coaching team ensuring a varied schedule.

Former Haven, Town and Barrow Raiders conditioner Paul Taylor has worked on drills, and brothers Kevin and Martin Thompson, top mixed martial artists, on floor work and grappling technique.

Rooney thanked all for their help, and also wished neighbours Ellenborough luck in their Champion of Champions final against Bank Quay Bulls, which precedes Wath Brow’s match at 1.30pm.

“Hopefully Ellenborough will win and we can do the double,” he said.