The National Conference programme starts early this weekend with a rare Friday night fixture.
It’s in the Third Division and will give Ellenborough Rangers the opportunity to bounce back after a set back last week in their bid for the title.
Elbra lost 25-24 at Drighlington and are now two points behind leaders Oldham St. Anne’s.
The fact that it’s a local derby against Seaton Rangers should intensify the contest, though, with the visitors still bottom with only two wins from 14 games.
But injury-hit Seaton have improved in recent weeks and battled hard against leaders St. Anne’s last week before going down 30-12.
Both the other two Cumbrian sides in Division Three are at home on Saturday.
Millom, like Elbra, are on a recovery mission after they slipped up last week by losing 26-16 at Beverley.
The Woolybacks are still comfortably fourth in the table and, at worst, booked for a play-off place. They will have noted Drighlington’s win over Ellenborough as they prepare to host the West Yorkshire village side.
Hensingham look as though they are going to have to apply for re-election again as they are next to bottom, six points behind Eastmoor Dragons.
They, too, face opposition who recorded a win over top four opponents last week. Millom’s conquerors Beverley are due at Hensingham this time.
Wath Brow Hornets lost a cracking Premier Division clash 30-22 at West Hull which meant the sides changed places behind leaders Hunslet Amateurs.
The Hornets will be looking to get back in the groove on Saturday when they entertain Lock Lane, knowing that West Hull have a tricky trip to Rochdale Mayfield ahead of them.
Kells gave their survival hopes a boost with a big win over Hull Dockers last week, but have a key away fixture this week at Siddal.
The two sides are level on points and games played – and are four points above the drop zone with a game in hand over those immediately below them.
It will also encourage both Siddal and Kells to know that the three sides occupying the relegation places all meet teams in the top six this week-end.
There’s a big game at Gillfoot where second-placed Egremont Rangers play Division One’s match of the day against Oulton Raiders who are fourth.
It’s developed into a straight fight between Egremont and Heworth as to who gains the second automatic promotion place and who has to battle it out through the play offs.
In Division Two Barrow Island will expect to improve their play off prospects when they host the bottom side East Leeds.
There are still several clubs in contention, however, and every point is going to be vital.
