There’s a tasty West Cumbrian derby tonight to kick off the Holmen Iggesund Cumberland ARL when Ellenborough A entertain town rivals Maryport.
The Elbra second team haven’t had many games so far but are ready for the clash with an in-form Maryport side.
Paul Gorge, the first team coach at the club says that they are putting out full, competitive squads for both games and are looking forward to the derby clash.
Mark Foster, the Maryport coach said: “We’ve had a couple of weeks off and it will be a tough game because it’s always a physical encounter against Elbra.
“I have a full squad to pick from, but it’s a long season and the lads will all get to play their part. Just looking forward to a derby game after not playing for two weeks.”
There are three games tomorrow with the best likely to be at Lowca where the home side entertain Wath Brow A.
Lowca coach Lee Allen said: “This is certainly going to be tough because Wath Brow are so good as a club at producing players and teams.
“We beat them 14-12 at Under-18s level in mid-week and it would be nice to do the double but it’s going to be tough. We are certainly going to give it our bet shot.
“I have a few players out with knocks but have a big squad and we will be putting out a competitive side.”
Hornets coach Paul Farrell said: “This is undoubtedly our toughest game to date and we have another big one next week against Maryport.
“Lowca are a very good, well-coached side who haven’t had many games so far. I’m sure that is going to mean they are going to be really keen to get back into action and will be into us from the start.
“We have to win the arm wrestle which will inevitably follow and then find the space to get our points on the board. We are expecting nothing less than a tough game.”
Cockermouth Titans hosting Hensingham A and Aspatria Hornets travelling to Askam.
Askam are looking for their first win of the season after running Cockermouth close last time, beaten 32-30 by a late penalty.
Coach Chris Broadley said: “I thought there was a lot of improvement in that performance and it was our discipline that cost us in the end.
“We have some players missing tomorrow but have 19 players available and I think that shows just how much the club is moving forward after struggling for teams last season.
“We have Lucas James and Jude McNamara, two young players we think have a lot of potential and are looking forward to see how they develop.
“Although we have some size missing from our pack this week we will play a different type of rugby and are looking forward to seeing what Aspatria bring in opposition.”
Mark Ridley, for Aspatria, said: “Owen Thorndyke is in at full-back as Keenan Foster is on holiday while Chris Beattie has work commitments so Mark Irwin moves to centre. Scott Donald will continue at half-back and otherwise we have a full squad.
“We are very much looking forward to the game and our longest trip of the season. I’m sure Askam will be up for it looking for the win and a tough game will be in store for us.”
Cockermouth Titans host Hensingham A in the other game and will be looking to build on last week’s win over Askam.
