Tomorrow’s Rugby League Challenge Cup has drastically reduced the amateur rugby league programme.
Only two games are going ahead in the National Conference, one tonight in West Cumbria and the other in Yorkshire tomorrow with an early 1pm kick-off.
Tonight’s game (kick-off 7pm) is actually a derby clash with Egremont taking on Kells at Gillfoot – with both coaches needing a performance from their respective sides.
Egremont slipped to a third successive defeat, beaten 24-22 at home by York Acorn last week while Kells gave their poorest performance of the season when they wnt down 34-0 at Siddal.
When they met in March at Kells, the home side came out on top 24-8 after doing most of the damage in the first-half as they built up an 18-0 lead.
Egremont coach Rhys Davies said: “I’m looking forward to the game as it’s another chance for a big local derby.
“We know as a team we need to do better than we have been in the last few weeks and nothing but a big performance is needed.”
Kells coach Peter Smith said: “It’s going to be a real tough game tonight. They have surprised a couple of teams with their enthusiasm and we need to match that.
“It was a poor display by us last week but a great defensive game from Siddal got them the points and we need to react to that performance.”
A win would lift Kells up to fifth in the table while an Egremont victory would pull them level on points with their opponents as well as the third west Cumbrian side in the top flight, Wath Brow Hornets.
Tomorrow’s game in the Third Division sees Featherstone Lions entertain East Leeds with a 1pm kick-off.
Both sides started this season with points being docked because of fixture failings last season. Consequently the Lions, without a win are at the bottom on minus six points while East Leeds had four points deducted from the 12 they have earned on the pitch.
Distington are a point clear of Hensingham at the top of the table with Seaton Rangers next to bottom, buoyed by last week’s first win against Featherstone Lions.
