Salford City Roosters celebrated a historic 26-4 victory over local rivals Folly Lane to reclaim the Valentine Cup after the competition returned for the first time in 14 years.

The rugby league contest final took place at Salford Community Stadium on Sunday, October 25, with Roosters securing the trophy they had last won before the competition’s long absence.

George Jamieson earned man of the match and received the Don Preston Trophy for his performance.

Head coach Anthony Grosvenor, known as Grozy, praised his players’ determination. He also highlighted their commitment throughout the season.

Grosvenor, who took charge at the beginning of the season, explained that rebuilding the club’s culture and bringing the players together had been among his main priorities.

The club had previously struggled with player numbers, while the coach believed a stronger connection was needed between different parts of the organisation.

He said: “That was our priority to be able to kind of shift the culture within the club and bring everyone together rather than just being fragmented.”

The changes have strengthened relationships within the senior squad. They have also improved links with the club’s junior teams.

Reflecting on the final, Grosvenor believed his players’ fitness and determination made the difference against Folly Lane.

“I thought we were switched on, I thought we were dialled in,” he said.

“I thought our desire was there, I thought we were more hungry for it.”

Roosters prop Callum Lawson, who has spent five years at the club, also highlighted the importance of preparation and a strong defensive performance.

Folly Lane competed in the division above Roosters, but Lawson said his side gained confidence after scoring their second try and keeping their opponents scoreless in the first half.

He said: “Knowing that whole mentality of, they don’t score, we win the game, we ultimately absolutely ramped up our defence and it really paid off.”

The win means the gap in the Roosters’ trophy cabinet can be filled again. Organisers had collected the trophy from the clubhouse in Hallsworth Road ahead of the competition, leaving a space in the trophy cabinet.

For several experienced players, the occasion also marked an emotional farewell.

Lawson revealed that Lee Murphy, Martin Judge and Adam Walker are retiring at the end of the season.

Walker missed the final through injury but remained involved, carrying water onto the pitch and supporting his teammates from the sidelines.

Grosvenor said emotions had been running high in the changing rooms before kick-off, when two experienced players spoke to the squad about the importance of the competition.

He said their passion showed how much the trophy meant to those who had represented the club over the years.

Lawson, originally from Hull, joined Roosters after moving to Salford five years ago and said the club had welcomed him from the beginning.

“I’m an honorary Salfordian thanks to these guys,” he said.

The prop also praised Grosvenor’s leadership and the discipline he had introduced since taking charge.

“He’s been absolutely fantastic since taking over at the start of the season,” Lawson said.

“He brought in the standards. He always reminds us of the standards, even if we drop slightly below it.”

The final also attracted supporters from across Salford’s rugby league community, with junior teams attending the event.

Grosvenor believes the occasion could inspire the next generation of Roosters players.

“The future of the Roosters just looks so much brighter,” he said.

Lawson thanked the supporters who attended despite the windy conditions and highlighted the sense of community surrounding the competition.

“It’s really good to see the passion that all the fans brought on the sidelines from all clubs,” he said.

The victory has strengthened Roosters ambitions for the future, with Lawson identifying a return to the National Conference League as one of the club’s long-term goals.

In the earlier match, Langworthy Reds took home the Valentine Shield with a victory over Cadishead Rhinos.