It’s a big day for the Egremont club tomorrow as they face their biggest test of the season.
Rangers entertain the reigning National Conference Premier Division Hunslet ARLFC who are unbeaten in seven games.
They are joint leaders, although behind Siddal on points difference (128 against 78) and have drawn twice.
One of those was in west Cumbria at Kells and that will give Rhys Davies and his men some degree of hope.
Davies said: “This is a massive test for the team against arguably the most consistent side in the National Conference.
“But it’s a test which the lads will meet head-on and give it our best shot.
“I have a few bodies back who missed the Rochdale game so I’ve a pretty strong squad for the game.”
Egremont had a training session with Whitehaven last night and went down well.
Interestingly the three Cumbrian sides are all on six points after seven games and are just separated by points difference – but not much in it with Wath Brow (-8), Egremont (-24) and Kells (-31).
Tomorrow the Hornets and Kells are on their travels and both play sides below them in the table.
Wath Brow travel to Heworth who were pipped last 11-10 by Kells and are just above the relegation trap door.
Kells are at newly promoted West Bowling and the hosts will be cock-a-hoop with a 28-22 win over in-form York Acorn.
Kells coach Peter Smith said: “We have a couple of players back so will take a strong squad, looking to build on what we did last week at Heworth.
“West Bowling play at Bradford Park Avenue’s ground so it will be 4G pitch which is a bit different, but if we do what we did last week we will be fine.”
Kells were at the Fibrus Community Stadium last night and a training session with Workington Town went down well.
Cumbria’s three representatives in Division Two are all away from home and very much like the Premier Division follow one another in the table with six points from seven games.
They are separated by points difference – Ellenborough (+1), Millom (-12) and Barrow Island (-68).
Looking further at the table it suggest Millom have the toughest test as they visit Normanton Knights who are fourth in the table.
Ellenborough Rangers will be looking to bring the points back from bottom side Myton Warriors, who have won only one out of seven games.
Coach Paul Gorge said: “We’ve had two weeks off and ready to go. It’s a long trek to Hull but the lads are looking forward to it.
“We have two players back from holiday but have another two still carrying knocks from our last game, but we are going there looking to register our first away win.”
Barrow Island played in the only Division Two game last week when they went down 32-10 at 100% leaders Shaw Cross Sharks.
It should be a bit more within their compass tomorrow when they visit Thornhill Trojans who are level on points with the Cumbrian trio but with a better points differential (+4).
Cumbria’s three representatives are all back in action in Division Three – and the top four collide in two of the games.
Distington, who lead the way, are at home to East Leeds who would be top instead of third if they hadn’t had four points deducted from last season.
To complete the top four showdown fourth placed Hensingham entertain Drighlington who are second.
Distington coach Aiden Worthington said: “It’s a massive test for us but that’s what we joined this League for.
“I don’t know much about them apart from that they have won every game and have two ex-pros who take them round the field.
“No excuses though we have good ex-pros as well and I think this is going to be tight with not many points and will be decided by small margins.”
Hensingham’s coach Kris Coward, ahead of his big ‘top four’ shoot-out says: “We are expecting a tough, physical game but these are the sort of teams you have to beat if you want to finish at the top.
“We have a squad and there are a couple of positions I’m not sure about and there could be a couple of changes.
“Unfortunately we have lost a player with a broken hand and another is out because of other commitments, but as I said it’s a squad game and other lads will get their chance.”
Seaton Rangers are at Bentley, the team immediately above them in the table.
Coach Gus Frazer said: “It’s going to be tough for us but we are going there to give it our best shot.
“I have had to make eight changes from the last game. One of the lads is out under a concussion protocol and our hooker, who has been a key player is unavailable through work.
“Some players are going to be in different positions and we are short of middles. Thankfully some of the older players have put their hands up to help us out.”
