WILL Bache is hoping for glory this weekend when he takes his Cleobury Mortimer side to the birthplace of rugby.

Cleobury face Rugby Lions in the final of the Midlands Junior Vase.

Both teams are leading their respective leagues and Bache hopes he can come out top this time after losing the 2006 final.

“It’s a massive game against very good opposition," said Bache, who is one of eight current players who was involved in the final nine years ago.

“It’s on a par with anything that the side achieved back in 2006.

"Who would have thought that a club the size of Cleobury would be competing against a side with the history of Rugby?

"It’s an honour to have made it to the final.”

However, the captain is wary of adding too much pressure to the occasion.

“It’s a big game for the club and the players," said Bache.

"However I don’t want to add to the stress of the day.

"I won’t be putting pressure on my players, I just want them to go and enjoy it, and put in a performance that they can be proud of.”

Bache is fighting to overcome a battle of his own, having seen a recurrence of a knee condition flare up in recent weeks

He is undergoing extensive physiotherapy to try and ensure he is fit enough to take part.

"At my age this could be the last chance to play in a game like this, I really hope I’m fit," said Bache.

Rugby Lions, who have gone undefeated at home for nearly two seasons, warmed up for Saturday’s game with a thumping 85-3 win over Atherstone, whilst Cleobury Mortimer had a weekend off.

"We needed the break to recover," said Bache.

"It’s come at a good time for us and means we can go into the big match refreshed and ready to go.

"I’m sure Rugby will have rested a few players on the weekend as well so I am sure it will be a fiercely fought encounter.”

The winners of the game go into the national semi-final, with the finals being played at Twickenham in May.

Cleobury won’t be short of support for the game on the weekend.

"We’ve got at least one bus load of supporters going, lots of people have said they’ll be making their own way in cars as well and we’ve even got a couple of people flying into Heathrow on Saturday morning having cut their holiday short to watch the game” said Bache.