The big Cumbrian derby in Regional 1 North West dominates the rugby union scene in Cumbria this weekend.
Kendal have first bite with home advantage against Penrith at Mint Bridge and it promises to be a typical, hard fought derby.
Both sides are coming off the back of victories with hosts Kendal edging Wirral 31-30 at Mint Bridge last week while Penrith were delighted to record their second win, 38-15 against Anselmians.
That moved Penrith off the foot of the table and within striking distance of the three teams above them.
But they are still some 15 points behind Kendal who were also pleased to get that win over Wirral after a series of defeats had undone a very promising start to the season.
The top three in the League are all on 41 points, well clear of the rest with Kendal fifth on 26 points and a record of 4-1-4 from their nine League games.
Wirral, the team they beat last week, are a point better off in fourth.
Penrith showed positive signs again last week that the group of youngsters they have had to throw into League rugby are adapting well. There’s also indications that some of the injured senior players are on their way back.
In Regional 2 North all four Cumbrian sides face away games – at clubs who are 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th in the table.
Aspatria lie fourth after a nerve-jangling win over West Hartlepool last week and they will be looking to close the gap on the top three from their visit to 6th placed Durham City.
The three other Cumbrian clubs occupy the bottom three places in the table and any points they can bring back from their travels will be gratefully received.
Cockermouth go to Consett (8th); Upper Eden are at Stockton (5th) and Keswick visit Morpeth (7th).
In Counties 1 Cumbria leaders Carlisle are on a recovery mission after they were beaten 40-38 in a Warwick Road thriller by Wigton.
They travel to Bower Park to take on Aspatria 2nds aware that they only have a two point lead over St. Benedict’s in the table but the Whitehaven side are without a game.
Certainly buoyed by that win over Carlisle, the young Wigton side will be looking to avenge an opening day defeat at Creighton when they host the Carlisle side.
The west Cumbrian derby between Egremont and Whitehaven looks another tasty fixture while the other games are: Hawcoat Park v Keswick 2nds; Millom v Penrith 2nds; Workington v Windermere.
