Aspatria return to action on Saturday with what could be one of the keenest fought League clashes.
They are pitted against West Hartlepool at Bower Park (ko 2.15pm) with both teams looking to book a place in the top four of Durham and Northumberland One.
Aspatria and West Hartlepool are both looking to finish in the top four as with another RFU re-organisation on the horizon it would mean promotion to Level 6 rugby.
Barney Clegg, the Aspatria press officer, said: “Any club achieving this goal will feel very much on an upward trajectory at a time when many grass roots teams throughout Cumbria and the north are experiencing difficulties with playing numbers and financial concerns.
“Both ourselves and Wests are within striking distance of the top four. Indeed they are the closest of rivals for entry into the top four.
“However, to succeed they not only have to dislodge the current incumbents but also stave of competition from other clubs hovering just below them in the league standings.”
After the last round of League games on December 18, Aspatria were fifth and West sixth both with identical records from 12 games – seven wins and five defeats for 36 points.
However Aspatria are in credit on the points differential – plus 85 while West are minus 31, which is quite a difference considering they have the same wins and defeats.
Aspatria come into the game on the back of a six-match unbeaten run. West Hartlepool’s most recent record is a little less impressive but they did win 27-26 in their home game against Aspatria in September.
Over the years Aspatria has drawn widely on the farming community with numerous players coming from an agricultural background.
Those ex-players continue to support the club, to such an extent that they have formed a Farming Club.
For the second time this season the Farming Club will be sponsoring the game on Saturday as it goes from strength to strength. It is now additionally supported by several local firms associated with the agricultural industry.
