There’s a contrast in opposition this afternoon for two of the three Cumbrian sides in the National Conference.
Egremont entertain leaders Siddal while Kells are at home to the bottom side Lock Lane.
Siddal are in a three-way tie for the lead but have a better points differential than the other two, West Hull and reigning champions Hunslet ARLFC.
Egremont had a sensational result two weeks ago in beating Hunslet without conceding s point, but rather blotted their copybook last week losing at Heworth.
Coach Rhys Davies said: “I expect another tough game against Siddal but no games are easy in the Premier Division. We know we under-performed at Heworth and the lads are eager to put in a performance they know they are capable of.
“Our home form is good so I have to be confident of a result.”
Kells had an excellent result last week in which they outgunned Thatto Heath Crusaders 42-6 and will be in good heart to follow up against their struggling Castleford visitors.
Coach Peter Smith said: “We have a couple of lads out with ankle injuries but will be pretty strong and hoping to follow up.
“But we are expecting a tough game because Lock Lane have just changed their coach and I expect there will be a reaction from them tomorrow.”
Wath Brow are the only one of the three West Cumbrian sides who have to travel and they make the long trek to Humberside to take on one of the joint leaders West Hull.
It’s always a tough task against one of their traditional top rivals but the Hornets travel in good heart after an excellent 30-6 win over York Acorn last week.
A South Cumbrian derby dominates the Division Two programme as Barrow Island entertain Millom.
Millom are two points better-off in the table than their local rivals after a 30-4 home win over Saddleworth last week while the Islanders were beaten 32-12 at home by Oldham St Anne’s.
Ellenborough Rangers travel to take on the Oldham side this afternoon and Paul Gorge expects nothing less than a tough test.
“We know it’s going to be a tough test because they were one side last season who really gave us a lesson so we will go there hoping to put things right having trained really well this week, “ said Gorge.
Hensingham have no fixture in Division Three so Distington have a n opportunity to stretch their lead at the top – although they face a trip to Bentley.
Distington coach Aiden Worthington will have to play as the club have 20 players not available this weekend.
“We knew this was coming up with weddings in the club and we will be taking eight or nine 17-year-olds and I will be playing myself. But it is what it is, and we are on a learning curve all season,” he said.
Spare a thought, too, for Gus Frazer the Seaton coach looking for his first win of the season. He has 19 players unavailable and will be travelling to Beverley with 16 players.
“Some working, some on holiday and some with family commitments, so it’s going to be tough. But some good news is that from next wee we are going to have Kieran Mewse playing for us fresh from a successful season with Keswick rugby union. He’s got an excellent kicking game and is going to be a valuable recruit,” said Frazer.
