EXCITEMENT is growing for Thatto Heath Crusaders' appearance in the National Conference League Grand Final on Saturday.

Crusaders will face holders Siddal in the showdown at Widnes Vikings' Halton Stadium, kick off 2.15pm.

The Division One promotion play-off final between Normanton Knights and Milford Marlins will provide the curtain-raiser, kick off at noon.

Crusaders, promoted from Division One last season, will be aiming to pull off a result they couldn't quite manage a fortnight ago when they last met Siddal, who will be contesting the season's major decider for a third successive year.

After Thatto Heath led 22-6 in the semi final, table-toppers Siddal racked up 30 unanswered points in the second half to book a return to the Grand Final.

With Heath having finished second on the ladder, they had a second bite of the cherry in the weekend's elimination semi-final and duly despatched Wath Brow Hornets 28-12 on Saturday in atrocious conditions.

Crusaders can take encouragement from that first-half showing a fortnight ago but also from the 16-6 success in August at home against Siddal, one of only two losses in the league this year for the Halifax amateurs.

An army of supporters are heading over to Widnes in the bid to roar Crusaders to victory, with coach transport arranged by the club.

Those making their own way to the Halton Stadium will be able to pay on the gate, £5 for adults and £2 for concessions (under 16s & OAPs).