The Pontypridd prop Duncan Bell faces his former employers Sale in the final of the Parker Pen Shield at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow still bitter at the way his career at Heywood Road ended a year ago.

Bell, who went on England's 1998 southern hemisphere tour but remains qualified to play for Scotland, was told by Sale that his contract was not being renewed because they planned to sign two world-class props: Kevin Yates and Stuart Turner were eventually recruited.

"I would love it if we beat Sale," said Bell, whose side will have the advantage of a large travelling support. "I have been looking forward to facing them since the day I left and I have been so excited this week, I've had trouble sleeping. The only thing better than beating Sale would be stuffing them.

"A week after I had joined Pontypridd, Sale said they had room for me after all, but after the way I had been treated there was no way I was going back. Sale are seeking their first major trophy while Pontypridd, who last week won the Welsh Cup, need to win to qualify for next season's Heineken Cup. "We are already in Europe, but that will not detract from our motivation," said Mallinder. "We regard it as the biggest game in the club's history."