The Holmen Iggesund Cumberland League programme has been limited to two games but both should be crackers.
Top of the bill is tonight’s big clash between old rivals Kells and Wath Brow as the respective A teams do battle in Whitehaven.
Whenever these two clubs meet there’s extra satisfaction to the winners, because of whom they have beaten.
Kells A coach Jonathan Wignall said: ”We are very excited for a very tough home fixture against the division pace-setters.
“The game will be contested in memory of our former A team captain Cameron ‘Tadge’ Taylor whose family will be in attendance to watch the game and present the trophy in the club after the game.
“We hope to have a good crowd to watch us play on the Welfare field in what should be a really competitive game.
“We know that Wath Brow will be well drilled and difficult to beat so we have to produce our performance of the season to get the two points ahead of the split in the League.
“A win would see us go joint top of the league which is another incentive this evening.
“We welcome back some players from injury and I am looking forward to seeing to see the energy and skillset that they can bring to the side.”
Wath Brow have that trophy-winning feeling now after lifting the EB Lamb and Son Amateur Cup and now want to build on that and see where the rest of the season takes them.
Coach Paul Farrell said: “It is a memorial game and we will show it the respect it deserves. Young Tadge had family in both clubs and I am sure there’s going to be a good crowd out tonight to watch.
“We know it’s going to be a very tough game. Kells won this particular game last season so hold the Memorial Trophy and we are going to have to concentrate on our own game.
“Kells have a young team who will come at us and we just have to show the determination and commitment we have shown in recent tough games. I’m looking forward to it.”
Tomorrow it’s sure to be a good day-out at Aspatria where the Hornets play Lowca and have designated it a reunion day, with players from the title winning side of 40 years ago meeting up again
Chairman Mark Ridley said: “We are looking forward to a good week-end with our old boys. We have good sponsorship for the day and I think it should be a really enjoyable day.
“As for the game we are expecting a tough contest and we know we will have to start quickly as Lowca came quick out of the blocks at their place
“We have Owen Thornydye back at full-back because Keenan Foster has picked-up an injury which could keep him out for the rest of the season. Guy Reed is back to strengthen the halves and Tom Gardner is available for the bench to give us more options.”
Lowca are one of the up-and-coming sides in the Cumberland ARL through their good development of youth and coach Lee Allen will be expecting his side to perform right from the start.
Allen said: “It should be another good hard-fought match, We are looking forward to the day with Aspatria as they celebrate the team of 40 years ago. We are getting a bus to go through and stop afterwards.”
