The Holmen Iggesund Cumberland ARL made a stuttering start with two games having to be called off through a lack of players.
However, the two clubs involved – Ellenborough and Hensingham – have insisted it won’t happen again.
It seems that Cheltenham week for horse-racing fans doesn’t just guarantee a bad head on Gold Cup day – but can take players completely out of the equation for weekend matches.
The new fashion is to take time off work, and not just watch the racing from the bookies or the local pub – but in sunnier climes like Benidorm.
Both Elbra A and Hensingham A were affected by the absence of their racing followers so opening League matches against Wath Brow A and Askam were both postponed.
Although in Ellenborough’s case it does look as though it might have been discussed earlier and could be played at a later date. Watch this space.
There will be no problems this weekend, unless it’s the weather playing havoc with pitches, as happened to the planned Lowca v Distington A derby last Saturday.
Two games go ahead tonight, both in Copeland, as Wath Brow A entertain Distington A while Egremont A are home to Hensingham A.
Askam will make their debut in the League on Saturday when they entertain Glasson Rangers, who did get in a game last week beating new boys Flimby 38-6.
Flimby try again with a home fixture against Ellenborough A.
There will be plenty of interest in the game at Aspatria where the Hornets have Maryport as visitors.
Aspatria lost 40-10 at home to Kells A last week and will have learnt from that, but Maryport could be formidable opponents.
The Maryport side showed much improvement last season, winning the E Lamb and Son Amateur Cup and just missing out on a top four finish.
For the coming season Maryport have brought in more ammunition in the shape of Joe Kirkup, who played for Workington Town last season and has been starring for Penrith rugby union this time round.
Coach Mark Foster and his assistants Simon Pattinson and Brett Smith will also be pleased that ex-Town and Whitehaven winger Sam Forrester is going to give it a go again at the age of 30.
The final game tomorrow could be the best of the lot – if the Lowca pitch is recovered.
Lee Allen’s team are set to host Liam McAvoy’s Cockermouth Titans in a potential match of the day.
