HISTORY makers Ruthin Ladies want to party like it’s 2011!
The Vale of Clwyd side are looking forward to arguably the biggest weekend in the club’s history, with two national finals.
Ruthin will play Swansea University in the final of the Welsh Shield at 1pm on Saturday.
And this is followed by the big one, with the Vale ladies tackling Cardiff University on Sunday in the final of the prestigious Welsh Cup (1pm).
Now in their 21st year, Ruthin have enjoyed national glory in the past.
Back in 2011, Ruthin claimed an epic victory over former winners Whitchurch Saints in the final of the Welsh Shield.
The tie ended up 2-2, before the North Walians prevailed 4-3 on penalty flicks.
Things were more comfortable in an earlier national final that the club reached.
In 2007, Ruthin made it to the final of the now defunct Welsh Plate competition and they swept aside opponents Milford Haven 5-1 to lift the trophy.
They made it all the way through to the final of last year’s Welsh Shield competition, where Ruthin were defeated in controversial fashion against Swansea University.
After a slow start, Ruthin comfortably beat Llandysul 3-0 in the last-four to book their passage into the final.
Meanwhile, in their second appearance at the finals, Ruthin will be looking to take the Welsh Cup back to North Wales for the first time since 2000.
They will play Welsh Cup holders Cardiff University in the final.
The students had to go into extra time to secure the semi-final win against Penarth, while Ruthin edged to a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Newport Gwent to secure their final place.
Ruthin Hockey Club’s Linda Harrison said: “Everyone is looking forward to the historic challenge that’s facing us this weekend.
“It’s an honour to represent Ruthin and North Wales in two national competitions.
“The support we have had over the season has been fantastic... and a number of team members and officials have received good luck messages and praise for our successes, which gives us a big boost to be successful in Cardiff.
“We are really grateful to the supporters who have followed us throughout the season and we are looking forward to seeing and hearing them down in Cardiff.”
This weekend could spark a major trophy rush for the club, who are targeting silverware on no fewer than four fronts.
As well as the Welsh Cup and Welsh Plate showpiece occasions, Ruthin are also through to the final of the North Wales League Cup and they are third in the North Wales League Division One standings.
Harrison added: “The squad of players have been very committed over the course of the season and they’ve worked very hard.
“To think we are a small club compared to the clubs we will face over the weekend, the players and volunteers have put in so much time and effort towards the development of the club - and we’re eager to succeed in Cardiff.”
The cup finals will be taking place in the National Hockey Centre at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff.
Tickets are available on the gate, with a day ticket costing £5, while a weekend ticket is £8.
Those under the age of 16 are admitted free of charge.
Ruthin would like to thank Harrison Machinery and Artisan for sponsoring a new club kit for the final.