It’s a big weekend for all of the Cumbrian clubs contesting National Conference League rugby.
From the county’s leading side Wath Brow in the Premier Division right down to Hensingham, next to bottom of Division Three, all seven clubs face crucial fixtures for one reason or another.
The Hornets didn’t play last weekend and lie fourth, but results elsewhere went in their favour.
Leaders West Hull lost 29-12 at Hunslet Club Parkside and second-in-the-table Lock Lane were surprisingly beaten 26-24 at home by Pilkington Recs.
Two points separate West Hull at the top from Thatto Heath Crusaders who are currently fifth, just behind Wath Brow on scoring differential.
But the Hornets have a tough test in prospect on Saturday when they visit the aforementioned Hunslet Club Parkside, conquerors of West Hull.
At the other end of the table Egremont Rangers are uncomfortably placed next to bottom and return to action after their break last week with an attractive but tough home test against second-placed Lock Lane.
The Castleford side have scored more points than any other in the Premier Division but on their last trip to West Cumbria were beaten by Wath Brow in the first game of the season.
In Division One Kells lead the way on points differential from Hull Dockers – and that’s where the Whitehaven side are travelling on Saturday.
These long trips to Humberside often see our Cumbrian sides going below strength but Kells coach Peter Smith is fairly optimistic that he will have a good, competitive squad to pick from.
In Division Two Barrow Island are up to second after last week’s very good 40-18 win at bottom side Beverley.
They need to keep the pressure on leaders Crosfields who travel to Beverley and they will be optimistic about their chances at third bottom Dewsbury Celtic
Seaton Rangers and Millom meet up for a county derby in Division Three with contrasting fortunes so far.
Conference new boys Seaton are third in the table while Millom occupy fourth bottom. But the Woollybacks have just welcomed back former Town pro Hanley Dawson who was outstanding in their welcome 30-26 win over East Leigh last week.
East Leeds look red hot favourites to win Division Three with a 100 per cent record so far and a massive points differential. So the task facing Hensingham on Saturday is massive as they sit next to bottom despite picking up a welcome 26-16 win over the only team below them, Eastmoor Dragons.
