Top of the pile in west Cumbria tomorrow is the local derby between Wath Brow and Kells.
It promises to be a humdinger in the National Conference Premier Division between two traditionally fierce rivals.
The Hornets are in uncharted territory early in the season – the bottom half of the table – after losing three times in their opening five games.
Coach Ian Rooney will be hoping his side can produce their first-half form of last week at champions Hunslet ARLFC when they were very much in contention, trailing just 14-12.
Unfortunately it was rather spoiled in the second-half when they didn’t score another point and fell away to a 38-12 defeat.
The local gossip line, as far as rugby league is concerned, has been suggesting this week that former Hornets star Karl Dixon might be tempted back for this one. He has been out of contract at Whitehaven after last season but is a former skipper of the Recreation Ground side.
Because of an old injury he was no longer in a position to be able to train and play to Championship level.
Kells are actually on the same points as the Brow, but from a game less and with a better points differential. They go into the contest on the back of two hard-fought draws against two of the top three sides in the competition – Hunslet and Rochdale Mayfield.
“We have a couple of lads away but that’s how it is with amateurs and we will have as strong a team as we can put out. We want to give a good account of ourselves and hope to replicate what we’ve been doing defensively in our recent games,” said head coach Peter Smith.
Egremont Rangers, like Kells and Wath Brow, are on four points for the season as the Cumbrian trio sit 6th, 7th and 8th in the Premier Division table.
Rangers got their second win last week at home to West Bowling and are looking to follow-up at home to Lock Lane – both of those sides have not a point between them.
Rhys Davies, the Egremont coach said: “We are looking to back-up last week’s performance with another victory this week. But one thing we have spoken about is not being complacent and making sure we work for each other.
“That’s important as nothing is given, especially in this League, and we want to come away with the two points.”
If Wath Brow v Kells is the top of the bill, the under-card isn’t too bad with another all-Cumbria affair in Division Two where Millom host Ellenborough.
Both have played five times and have won twice with Elbra ahead on points differential. The third Cumbrian side Barrow Island are also on four points as they lie 7th, 8th and 9.th
But the Islanders have a tough task ahead tomorrow as they are due to visit 100% leaders Shaw Cross Sharks, 28-14 winners at Millom last week.
In Division Three both Hensingham and Distington go into the week-end action as joint leaders with Drighlington – only separated by points differential after three wins and a loss each.
One of them should lead come Saturday night as Drighlington don’t have a game while the two Cumbrians are both at home. Distington entertain bottom side Featherstone Lions while Hensingham have a tougher-looking test against Leigh East.
Distington coach Aiden Worthington said: “Our first teamers have had a three week break without a game but I have 26 to pick from this week-end.
“I know the Lions have struggled in recent games but we just hope the weather is a bit kinder and we can get the game on and play some good rugby which puts a few points on the board.”
Ahead of their clash Hensingham coach Kris Coward said: “We know Leigh East are a good side who like to throw the ball about, so that will be a bit different to the down-the-middle slogs we’ve had.
“But the weather will probably dictate how this one goes so we will prepare for both eventualities.
“I have almost a full squad to pick from with some of the Under-18’s who played in mid-week coming into contention.”
