National Conference League action reaches a conclusion this weekend and there’s still plenty of interest for Cumbrian clubs in all four divisions.
In the Premier Division Wath Brow Hornets know they have made the play-offs and will finish either fourth or fifth depending on results on the final day.
They are currently in fifth behind Thatto Heath on a slender points differential (16) with both clubs on 27 points from their 21 games.
The Hornets have gathered some big scalps in recent weeks – including Thatto Heath and biggest of all, League winners West Hull.
They finish at home to Hunslet Club Parkside who are currently second, two points better off than Lock Lane who go to West Hull tomorrow.
At the moment the Parkside club is involved in talks with local neighbours Hunslet Warriors who have just announced their withdrawal from the National Conference Division Two after being unable to complete their last two fixtures. An amalgamation is being proposed so next season the Hornets might be up against Parkside Warriors.
Egremont Rangers play their final game in the Premier Division before relegation when they host Siddal. Consolation for the Cumbrians would be a victory which could lift them off the bottom.
In Division One all Kells can do is wait and hope for Hull Dockers’ result at Wigan St. Patrick’s which will decide the title.
Kwlls won 34-6 at Saddleworth last week to go top on points differential having completed their own fixtures.
“It’s nice to be promoted again but it would put the icing on the cake if we took the title as well,” said coach Peter Smith.
Maybe former Whitehaven prop, Maltese international Dean Zammit will do them a favour! He scored a late winning try for St. Pat’s last week against Oulton Raiders.
In Division Two Barrow Island finish off at fourth-bottom Wigan St. Jude’s having secured their play-off place. Depending on results the Islanders will finish third or fourth.
Seaton Rangers could cap a debut season in Division Three with promotion. They have completed their fixtures in third place but if Oldham St. Annes win at home to bottom side Eastmoor Dragons (as they should) the Cumbrians will finish fourth.
Hensingham are bound to finish next to bottom even with a home win over Drighlington while Millom have the toughest of finishes at East Leeds, who need a point to confirm them as champions.
There’s a match tonight for local amateur RL enthusiasts in the Holmen Iggesund Cumberland ARL Division One play-offs.
Kells A entertain Seaton A in the semi-final but unfortunately the other will not take place as Egremont A conceded their match at Ellenborough A.
The Premier Division top four play-off finals are being staged tomorrow with champions Distington hosting Wath Brow A while runners-up Ellenborough entertain Lowca.
