Ellenborough, the reigning Holmen Iggesund Cumberland ARL champions, had a tough final workout ahead of the defence of their title which starts on Saturday.
The Premier Division winners took part in an opposed training session with Workington Town at Derwent Park as their hosts prepare for Sunday’s Challenge Cup-tie at Barrow.
Ellenborough will be hoping it has the same effect on them as it did on Seaton Rangers who had a similar session with Town last Thursday ahead of their successful debut in the National Conference League.
They are not going into the opening game at home to Glasson Rangers without some match practice as they were involved in an early round of the Challenge Cup, putting in a good shift in London against fellow amateurs the Chargers before losing to a score from the final play of the game.
Visitors Glasson have not had a pre-season warm-up but training for their squad of 25 players has been going well.
Joint coach Matthew Burns said: “To be honest the lads have been fired-up ever since the fixtures came out and we were given Ellenborough as the first game.
Our players certainly don’t need any motivation for that one.”
Although they have lost full-back Gary Taylor, who joined Seaton to test himself in the National Conference, Glasson have recruited the vastly experienced Luke Johnston from Aspatria Hornets.
The Maryport derby is the stand-out fixture on Saturday when three Premier Division games are be8ing played. The First Division clubs will start next week-end.
Aspatria Hornets have had recent outings in the BARLA National Cup, which should serve them well as they face a tough opening test at home to Distington.
The former champions were involved in the annual match with Lowca Last week-end when a 62-6 win saw them retain the Billy Davidson Memorial Trophy.
The third game features Lowca as they kick-off with a home game against Wath Brow A.
