The four quarter-final ties in the Firpress Printers Cumberland Cup are all being staged this weekend -with possibly the stand-out tie tonight.
The Holmen Iggesund Cumberland ARL’s showpiece knock out competition has actually thrown up some well balanced ties, three of which will be played tomorrow.
But top of the pile could be tonight’s match which is Kells A at home to Cockermouth Titans who made it all the way to last season’s final before being beaten by Distington.
Titans coach Liam McAvoy said: “We have been improving week by week I would say over the last two months which has been encouraging.
“Irrespective of whether Kells have a first team game this week-end or not, and if they decide to put in some of those players or not, we are expecting a tough game against what will be a good team.
“From our point of view we have a strong squad to travel through and we are hoping to go as far as possible in the Cup competitions.”
Jonathan Wignall, the Kells A coach said: “It will be a changed team again due to a vast amount of players from the squad going on holiday or to festivals.
“I’m sure all clubs are suffering with similar issues this week and not just ourselves.
“We expect a physical, experienced Cockermouth side and we must be prepared to match them.”
Distington, the winners last season, have moved up into the National Conference so it’s down to their A team to defend the trophy and they are paired at home to Wath Brow A.
They will use two first teamers as there is no first team game this weekend – having suffered for playing five against Lowca in a League game two weeks ago.
First team coach Aiden Worthington said: “We had been short of matches at the time and put them in for some needed game-time and we drew the game. But Lowca complained and the League have awarded them the points, which was disappointing.
“We will have a young side out against Wath Brow and giving a run-out to two of the Conference lads. We have some very promising young players but we know against the Brow it will be tough.”
Maryport, disappointed to lose their hold on the E. B. Lamb and son Amateur Cup entertain Hensingham A tomorrow and will be extra-keen to make the semi-final.
Maryport coach Mark Foster said: “Joe Kirkup will have a late fitness test ahead of the game and we’ve Craig Foster available again after recovering from a thumb injury.
“We’ve also just signed Phil Lister, the former Workington and Whitehaven winger. He’s a Maryport lad and his son plays for one of our youth teams so he’s been training with us for a fortnight and although he had retired has decided to give it another go.
“Hensingham have some very good young players, highlighted by them reaching the National Under-18’s final so are expecting a hard game.”
With no Conference game this week-end, first team coach Kris Coward will be in charge of the A team.
“We’ve got quite a few lads back from holiday, and we will be using a number of the Under-18’s side who have reached the BARLA final and haven’t had much game time recently.
“There’s a couple of veterans, too, who will play just to provide a bit of experience. Maryport are a good side and I hope we can give a good account of ourselves,” said Coward.
The fourth tie is Lowca against Aspatria which is likely to be a closely fought affair.
Lee Allen, the Lowca coach said: “It’s good to see Aspatria back in the League this year. We’ve always had close, competitive battles with them and tomorrow will be no different.
“We are really looking forward to the game which promises to be a hard-fought Cup-tie
“As far as we are concerned we need to re-group again after another tough League defeat against Kells A in our last game.”
The Hornets have Keenan Foster returning at full-back with top try scorer Mark Irwin switching from second row into the centre.
Chairman Mark Ridley said: “It will be a tough quarter final but we are delighted to have Luke Johnson back to play in the halves after he suffered an ankle injury in a pre-season friendly. Jack Robinson will switch from scrum-half to hooker.”
