Smith full of praise for Casuals

Northampton Casuals coach Joe Smith has praised his side's win over Parkside in the National quarter-finals.

The Casuals beat the Leeds-based team 32-4 in Hull, meaning they advance to a semi-final against Devon.

Smith told BBC Radio Northampton: "It's one of the best feelings I've had in rugby league, Parkside were meant to be the favourites.

"We'd like to [win it, and] show people they've got another successful sporting alternative in Northampton."

Parkside Hawks play rugby league exclusively, unlike some of the Casuals side.

It's just one of those magic times, where something's going very well for the club

Casuals head coach Joe Smith

"No-one gave us a chance. But we knew we were a good side, and Parkside knew they'd met a good team," Smith added.

"We looked after the ball, and our possession and pass completion rate was excellent."

Smith is aware that players may move on from his side at the end of the season.

"If some of our players get picked up and go professional, that's great for us," he said. "If anyone can better themselves as we move up the leagues, that's brilliant.

"We've got a couple of people that we're looking at. One player has expressed an interest, a professional player. We've got a brilliant junior set-up, as well as the University and their league side, and the amateur Rugby Union clubs in Northampton.

"The more we win, the more people will want to come and play for us."

The victory over Parkside was an 11th consecutive win in competitive games for the Casuals.

And Smith added: "It's just one of those magic times, where something's going very well for the club."

Northampton Casuals face Devon Sharks in the Conference National semi-final at the Twickenham Stoop Stadium on the 6 September with Jarrow Vikings awaiting the winner of that match in the final.