Kells to make delayed start to National Conference season

A Gilbert rugby ball pictured on the grass

Kells make a delayed start to their National Conference season on Saturday – a week later than everyone else.

Their opening Division One fixture last Saturday at Featherstone Lions was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

Under returning coach Peter Smith they open up at home to West Bowling from Bradford who started last week with a 24-16 win over Stanningley.

Smith, back in charge after three years as director of rugby, admits that everyone at the club was frustrated by the postponement and as a result, the players are “buzzing” to get started,

“West Bowling are regarded as one of the favourites for the league so we know we are in for a tough game. That’s something we’ve stressed to the lads at training.

“I have emphasised, too, that it’s going to be a team effort this season and we aren’t going to be relying on individual players. We’ve got some good youngsters coming through, but we have to play to patterns and particularly to our strengths.”

West Bowling will go into the game without one of their key players, hooker Danny Halmshaw, but have a reliable deputy in his brother.

Coach Ryan Hunkin said: “The injury loss of Danny was a big one and how we managed that was quite good. He’s a pivotal player and a key player, one we are certainly going to miss, but having Archie his brother on the bench, who is another exceptional nine, helped us out a lot.

“Archie played his part on Saturday alongside some of our senior players, especially after going behind 6-0 after their first set.”

Of the trip to Kells Hunkin said: “We’re excited to get our trip to Cumbria and get it done early doors. Generally, we’ve had trips to Cumbria at the back end of the year, but it will be a different pitch, a different environment weatherwise.

“I’m not expecting a fast track. That will test us with ball in hand and how we like to play. It might mean a few adjustments to our squad and how we go on the bench, but we are looking forward to it.”

Wath Brow posted early points on the doors when they beat Lock Lane 36-20 and will be keen to follow up with a second successive home game, this time against Thornhill Trojans who lost 24-6 at home to West Hull.

Runners-up to Thatto Heath last season in the restructured NCL competition, they will be strongly fancied to challenge for major honours again in the Premier Division.

Egremont Rangers start the day bottom of the table on points differential following their 28-0 home defeat by Hunslet Club Parkside, likely to be competing strongly for the title.

They follow up tomorrow at Pilkington Recs who started with a 22-4 defeat at Leigh Miners Rangers.

Barrow Island are Cumbria’s representatives in Division Two, and after losing 28-18 at Crosfield last week have a home game against the early League leaders Hunslet Warriors. They beat Beverley 30-14.

Match of the day in Division Three is likely to be the Cumbrian derby between Hensingham and Seaton Rangers.

League newcomers Seaton opened impressively with a 42-0 win over Eastmoor Dragons while Hensingham lost out 24-6 at the other new arrivals Bentley.

The third Cumbrian side in League Three, Millom are at home to Waterhead Warriors after losing 22-0 last week at Batley Boys.