The Holmen Iggesund Cumberland ARL has another humdinger lined up for tonight to start the weekend programme.
It’s Cockermouth Titans v Maryport at Highfield, a clash between two sides who are pushing for top four positions.
Maryport have had a series of tough tests recently against Wath Brow, Lowca and Kells A so there’s been no let-up in intensity to their programme.
Coach Mark Foster said: “After a disappointing performance at Wath Brow last week, we are looking forward to what will be a very tough game at Cockermouth.
“They are a good, young side well led by captain Regan Tinnion and they will be strong with their rugby union lads available.
“We know we will have to produce a much-improved performance and it’s something I know my lads are capable of to get the win.
We lost a Cumberland Cup semi-final in extra-time, and it was also a close game there in the League so we know it’s going to be right.
“As usual we have lads missing but we do welcome back five who were unavailable last week-end with two of them starting and three coming onto the bench.”
There will be a warm welcome at Cockermouth and coach Liam McAvoy said: “It’s another massive game as it’s the third in a row after playing Wath Brow and Kells.
“We are quietly confident going to these last six or seven games so if we can keep these lads together I am sure we will be up there in the top four.
“It’s a bit of a local derby against Maryport and I’ve played in the same team as some of their lads so I know how good they can be.
“I am missing, it’s the second game of four that I was banned for talking back to the referee, so I will be on the sidelines but we have Cameron Harrison back, a young player who has come on leaps and bounds this season.”
Unfortunately League leaders Wath Brow A won’t be in action. They should have entertained Egremont A but the Gillfoot club have said they can’t put out a team.
Egremont coach Kevin Brown said: “I’m afraid we’ve had to give the game to the Brow because we are unable to field a team due to injuries, work commitments, holidays and first team call-ups.”
Two games are scheduled for tomorrow with Aspatria Hornets at home to Ellenborough Rangers A and Lowca entertaining Hensingham A.
Aspatria chairman Mark Ridley said: “We are looking forward to welcome our near neighbours Ellenborough A as it’s some time since we met.
“Our coach Ricky Holliday had a selection problem as quite a lot of players made themselves available. Dale Thomason is making a start at prop after some promising displays coming on from the bench.
“Keenan Foster is back again at full-back while we have young Owen Thorndyke on the wing.”
Ellenborough head coach Paul Gorge said: “We have been short of a few players recently but there are some good youngsters in the squad who have been pushing for first team places. I am sure we will have a competitive team for this one.”
Hensingham, as a club, are enjoying a successful season – highlighted by their Under-18s success in the BARLA National Cup final on Sunday. Their first team are just a point behind leaders Distington in National Conference Division Three.
Which leaves the A team who are benefitting for the inclusion of several of their talented Under-18s and have already reached the final of the E. B. Lamb and son Amateur Cup.
Coach Chris Crowe said: “The last few times we have played Lowca they have been outstanding, and put a big score on us both home and away.
“This time we have three Under-17’s making their open age debuts and also a couple of veterans coming back to help us out.
“After Sunday’s Under-18’s National Cup final, and the fact that they were also in a tight League game on Wednesday it means there are a lot of sore bodies and e have picked-up injuries.
“But we have a really strong squad this year compared to the last few seasons so we hope to contribute to a really competitive game at Lowca.
“I know Lowca have used a lot of their Under-18s this season and all looks good for the future of the League with a lot of young lads stepping up and doing well.”
