There’s a Cumbrian derby to enjoy in the National Conference Premier Division tomorrow.
Kells, who were denied an opening game last week when the fixture at Heworth was called off because of a waterlogged pitch, entertain newly-promoted Egremont.
Egremont put up a really strong performance in shocking conditions to test last season’s Grand Final runners-up West Hull, 10-6.
Coach Rhys Davies said: “We are looking forward to this one as these are the games we want to be playing in – a good local derby with hopefully a sizeable crowd.
“We are a couple of players missing – Paul Corkhill is away and Brad Long damaged his knee against West Hull.
“It means John Paul Brocklebank returns from injury and Dillon Scott makes the 17, both like for like changes.
“I’m hoping for another big performance this week and to come away with the two points.”
Kells coach Peter Smith went to watch the Egremont v West Hull game and said: “It was hard going in the conditions and I thought Egremont fronted up well against one of the teams who will be among the front-runners.
“We are looking forward to the game after missing out last week but we will be missing Ross Gainford who is away.
“We are kicking off at 2pm and I’d just like to thank Egremont for their co-operation in agreeing to an earlier start as we have a function in the clubhouse later on.”
Wath Brow started their campaign with a hard-earned 14-0 home win over Rochdale Mayfield in a clash between two sides with genuine top four ambitions.
Tomorrow Ian Rooney’s side travel to St. Helens where they take-on Thatto Heath Crusaders who had their game at Lock Lane called off last week because of a waterlogged pitch.
Two of the Cumbrian sides in League Two came up against each other in a hard-fought derby clash in which newly promoted Ellenborough edged home 12-10 against Barrow Island.
The Islanders will be looking to get off the mark tomorrow when they host Myton Warriors, who were beaten 25-16 at home last week by Normanton Knights.
Ellenborough are on the road to Saddleworth Rangers, a tough test, even though the Oldham side went down 18-4 at Shaw Cross Sharks last week.
Millom, narrowly beaten 14-12 at Wigan St Jude’s, have a home game against Pilkington Recs who lie bottom in the first League table after a 34-18 home defeat to Thornhill Trojans.
Cumbria also have three teams in Division Three and two of them are on the road tomorrow.
Seaton Rangers will be playing their first game of the season after they were left as a spare team last week, and they have a tough opening test at East Leeds – 38-4 winners at Milford last Saturday.
Hensingham, narrowly beaten 6-0 by new boys Distington in a mud-bath, can look forward to something a bit special tomorrow.
They travel to Bentley for a game which has been chosen to officially open the Doncaster team’s new clubhouse.
They have been using it since August last year but this has been marked down as the official opening when several notable guests include the RFL’s chief executive Tony Sutton.
No doubt the Whitehaven side will be hoping to be party-poopers and open their account for the season.
Distington play their first game at home and it’s one they can mark with a second win.
They host Milford, beaten comprehensively by East Leeds last week, and the west Cumbrians won’t show any sympathy.
Coach Aiden Worthington said: “We are really looking forward to putting two more points on the board and getting our first home win as a Conference club.
“The team will be similar to last week but Scott Rooke drops out with a slight niggle. However, we do have Clayton Sutton back which will boost our pack.
“It’s a big day for the club as we are putting out two clubs for the first time in over 21 years. Our new A team is playing in the CARL Amateur Cup.”
