Telford Tigers lift their first trophy in 17 years

A crushing 11-4 aggregate win over Sheffield Steeldogs in the Bradfield Brewery Cup saw the Tigers return to Shropshire with silverware for the first time since 1997.

A packed Telford Ice Rink witnessed a dominant 5-1 victory over Sheffield on Saturday evening, before a hard-fought 6-3 success in Yorkshire on Sunday.

And with import Peter Zsabo and Danny Rose still to come into the squad, Watkins was delighted to take the victory.

He said: "Winning a trophy is always great. With these games being our first of the season, the priority was to put in good performances and win both games.

"Bringing the cup home to Telford was the prize for that.

"Both games were a real battle for us. We played really well on Saturday and although we didn't play quite as well on Sunday, a strong first period really helped.

"We played with a really good tempo, which was great to see, especially after a full week of training twice a day.

"We've still got two guys out, so everyone worked really hard and there were some great things to come out of both games.

"It is going to be a long season and we know any team can beat any other in this league. We gave some great performances, but it will be back to work as usual in training today."

Saturday's victory in Shropshire came courtesy of strikes from Ricky Plant (2), Jason Silverthorn, Nathan Salem and Max Birbraer.

Sunday, meanwhile, saw Joe Miller grab a hat-trick, alongside goals from Salem (2) and Callum Bowley.

Watkins added: "I said on Friday that it was all about the performances this weekend, and we did pick up a few penalties that we probably won't in a few weeks' time.

"But we killed penalties really well in both games and we're building a lot of confidence. There is a lot of positivity in the dressing room already."

The victory marks a first for Tigers owner Wayne Scholes, who was part of the original club staff when they won the First Division title in 1988.

Heavy investment in the squad has raised expectations, and he is targeting more success.

"It is wonderful to bring home a trophy and get the season off to the best start possible," he said.

"These games were the ideal way to prepare our squad for a tough English Premier League season, which starts on September 13. I want the Tigers to win more trophies this year, as do the rest of the fans.

"Now let's enjoy our first trophy of 2014/15 and celebrate the hard work that went into the pre-season from the players, coaching staff, backroom team and the fans who have the faith."

(Video courtesy of Telford Tigers)