League rugby takes a back seat in Cumbria this weekend with four County Cup ties taking centre stage.
The Referees Society has appointed a team of three officials for all four games.
Possibly the most interesting tie is the clash between two sides from Counties 1 Cumbria.
Carlisle had swept all before them until two weeks ago when they were beaten 40-38 at home by Wigton.
The two are paired together in the County Cup, but this time Wigton have home advantage and they will be keen to show that win at Warwick Road was no fluke.
It’s equally certain that Carlisle will be making the short trip determined to take their revenge for that League reversal.
Two teams from Regional 2 North will meet up at Bower Park where Aspatria entertain Cockermouth.
Then Black Reds will be strong favourites to make Cup progress as they lie fourth in the League table while Cockermouth are down at the foot without a win to their name.
But this is the Cup and anything can happen and a lot will depend on the strength of the line-ups the two clubs decide to go with on a free League weekend.
Upper Eden started the season in superb fashion but they have fallen away since that first month and currently only have Cockermouth below them.
They face an interesting Cup trip to Kirkby Lonsdale who were relegated last season and now ply their trade in Regional 2 North West.
They are struggling again, currently joint bottom but having played a game more than their rivals in distress Liverpool St. Helens.
Last season’s beaten finalists Upper Eden might fancy their chances, but as stated earlier, a lot will depend on the relative team strengths.
The fourth tie taking place on Saturday is the clash between holders Penrith and near neighbours Keswick at Winters Park.
Penrith are struggling in Regional 1 North West after last week’s promotion, badly handicapped by injuries.
They will want to hang onto that County trophy, although not losing sight of the fact that they want to get out of relegation trouble in the League.
Anyone carrying a knock they might normally have shrugged off is likely to be rested.
Keswick are ninth of 12 in Regional 2 North and have been in contention for most of the six games they have lost. On a going day they will test a Penrith side largely short of the winning formula.
The Lakes side go into the Cup tie in confident mood after their fourth League win last week when they beat Morpeth 13 12 in the North East.
Also on Sunday, two Papa John’s Trophy games for the women are being staged in the county.
Holders Workington, who loved the thrill of winning the silverware at Twickenham, start their defence at home to Northallerton.
The other tie sees Keswick, who have started the League season like a train, at home to Wensleydale.
- There is a friendly on Saturday between Ambleside and Lancaster University thirds.
