THE final and deciding match of this year's NAAFI Inter-Services RL Challenge takes place in Leigh tomorrow (Friday).

Besides being the final match it is also the decider with both the Royal Navy and The Army having beaten the RAF in previous rounds.

The match will take place at Leigh Miners ARLFC ground on Twist Lane and sees the Navy attempt to take the trophy for the first time in their five year history while the Army are determined to win back the trophy they lost last year to the RAF.

Several of the Navy squad are from the local area notably coach, Chief Physical Trainer Wayne Okell and Operator Maintainer Martin Walker both of whom attended Bedford High School and in the past have played for Leigh Miners.

The match kicks off at 3pm.

"Wayno" has been the inspiration and driving force behind the establishment of Rugby League in the Royal Navy and has been involved from day one in the coaching and encouragement of players and officials alike to get the game to its present status as the Navy's fastest growing sport. He also established a team onboard veteran Assault Ship HMS Fearless who went through a whole season undefeated. Away from Rugby League Wayno is about to take over as the running of the Royal Navy's Outward Bound Centre at Tal-y-Bont in the Welsh Mountains.

"Whiskey" is the Navy's regular open side Prop and goal kicker and has been an ever present for the side this season. His experience led to him being named Captain in the inaugural Royal Navy State Of Origin Match in which he led the Eastern Commands to a famous 34-26 victory over the Western Commands. Another great moment for him was two weeks ago when he landed the conversion that beat the RAF with less than three minutes on the clock in the first round of the Inter-Services. Whiskey is currently undergoing specialist Weapons training prior to joining his new ship. His previous ships have included HM Ships Richmond and Lancaster both modern Type 23 Frigates.

Other members of the team with local connections are Petty Officer Weapons Engineer Nigel Birkett from Wigan and Marine Engineer Matty Leigh now living in St Helens. Nige has been another ever present this season and along with Wayno and Whiskey went on the RNRL first ever overseas tour. The Tour in early March of this year was to Sydney in Australia and was voted a great success by all concerned. Matty is currently serving onboard HMS Fearless, which recently finished its 30-year career as a frontline warship having played a major part in the Falklands conflict amongst its many operational duties. On the field, coming on as sub against the RAF, Matty crashed over for the try that lead to Whiskey's match winning conversion.

The match on Friday kicks off at 3PM and all spectators are more than welcome, admission is free and the players and staff will be available along with Navy Careers advisors if anyone is interested in a career with the Royal Navy or Royal Marines.