Another Cumbrian derby stands out in Saturday’s league fixtures after frozen pitches caused problems across the north last week.
Carlisle host Aspatria at Warwick Road after both clubs were left without a fixture last week through frost-induced postponements.
The other two sides in Regional 2 North – Penrith and Keswick were able to stage their own derby on the artificial surface at Winters Park but the second-half, in particular, proved one-sided as the hosts went top of the League with a 92-20 win.
Carlisle are rooted to the foot of the table without a single win so time is obviously running short in their efforts to avoid the drop.
There have been more encouraging signs in the recent games that have survived the freeze but they have to quickly put substantially more points on their record of only six from 14 games. Two of those were for a home draw against Keswick and the other four are bonus points.
Aspatria are some 25 points better off than the city side and earlier in the season on October 29 they won convincingly 65-0 in the derby at Bower Park.
After a hesitant start in August, the Black Reds have climbed the table and are currently 15 points clear of Stockton who occupy the second relegation place.
Which brings us on to an equally important game at Stockton who have Keswick as their visitors. The Lakes side only have a point lead over their hosts so much is at stake. Every point gained in this one will be vital.
Keswick were without six regulars in their hammering at Penrith but expect to be a bit stronger for the trip to the north east.
Penrith have no such relegation concerns. Indeed their sights are on the title and promotion as it looks a straight fight between them and Morpeth.
Last week’s win over Keswick took them top, four points clear of Morpeth – but from a game more.
On Saturday they can do themselves (and Keswick and Carlisle) a favour by winning well at South Shields Westoe who are still in the relegation mix, four points ahead of Keswick.
Morpeth’s game in hand is at Aspatria (postponed last week) and on Saturday they have a stern home test with Northern, who on their day can mix it with the best.
In Regional One North West both Cumbrian clubs have home matches on Saturday.
Kendal, well beaten 79-21 at Lymm in the only game in their league which was played last week, host Macclesfield.
Food for thought for Kirkby Lonsdale as they are next-up at home to Lymm as they still seek their first point of the season.
Lymm are chasing the title and are currently only two points behind leaders Blackburn so luckless Kirkby Lonsdale can expect no mercy.
Kendal, however, should be hopeful of a welcome win as visitors Macclesfield sit only two places and five points above them.
Despite being at the lower League level teams in Counties 1 Cumbria did remarkably well with their fixtures last week – four of the six surviving the freeze.
The big game, Upper Eden and Cockermouth, was postponed in Conference 1 but Millom beat Wigton 39-14 and Whitehaven won the west Cumbrian derby against Egremont 17-6.
Creighton v Silloth was called-off in Conference 2 but St. Benedict’s beat Hawcoat Park 24-13 and Penrith A won 36-8 at Workington.
Tomorrow’s games are: Conference 1 v Millom; Egremont v Upper Eden; Wigton v Whitehaven.
Conference 2: Hawcoat Park v Workington; Penrith A v Creighton; Silloth v St Benedict’s.
