WICKFORD’S Josh Batch has labelled this Sunday’s Challenge Cup final as the biggest game of his career.

The 24-year-old will be lining up for the Cardiff Devils against Sheffield Steelers.

And the former Westcliff High School pupil cannot wait for the showdown.

“I'm really excited for the game on Sunday,” said Batch.

“It will probably be the biggest game of my career along with the play-off final in my first season but the Challenge Cup is arguably harder to win than the play-offs as it is a much longer competition.”

The final is being held at the Motorpoint Arena, which is also home to the Steelers.

And Batch, whose family will be heading up to the game from Essex, is expecting a tricky encounter in a new format for the final.

“The final is being held in Sheffield at the Motorpoint Arena as a standalone final, whereas in the past it has been decided over two legs on an aggregate score,” said Batch.

“The location was decided a few months ago and it just so happens that Sheffield made it to the final in their own rink.

“They’re also one of the best teams in the league this year and have a lot of firepower offensively so we will be in for a very tough game.”

The final also continues an excellent season for Batch and his side who have exceeded expectations and are still in contention to win three trophies this season.

However, Batch is refusing to look too far ahead.

“Our focus right now is the final and then winning all of our remaining games,” said Batch.

“We are currently three points off of first place in the league with one game in hand, so we need to do everything we can to catch the first placed team, the Braehead Clan who are based in Glasgow.

“We also need to finish as high as we can in the league to ensure a high seeding for play-offs, which sees the top eight teams qualify.”