The second half of the Holmen Iggesund Cumberland League season starts this weekend with the competition split in two.
We now have a Premier Division and a First Division, but the first set of fixtures have been halved.
In the Premier Division the game between Lowca and Aspatria has been conceded as the Hornets were unable to raise a team.
Mark Ridley, the Aspatria chairman said: “Unfortunately Kendal Calling, holidays and a growing injury list resulted in only eight players being available. We could have raised a team for tonight but Lowca couldn’t accommodate us.”
Two of the scheduled games in Division One – Egremont Rangers A v Ellenborough Rangers A and Flimby Vikings v Askam will be played at a later date.
The one game that goes ahead in Division One will see Hensingham A entertain Distington A tonight.
But we are left with two absolutely outstanding fixtures in the Premier Division – a quick re-match between Wath Brow A and Kells A tonight and another heavyweight contest tomorrow between Maryport and Cockermouth Titans.
Wath Brow, especially, will be fired-up for this after losing last week to Kells and are sure to start on the front-foot taking the game to their local rivals.
Coach Paul Farrell said: “We will be pretty much the same as last week with a few more back to pick from. Scott Goodwin, Devan Sharp, James Dixon and captain Luke Davison will all be welcome additions to the squad.
“If we’re better with the ball this time I am hopeful we can get a result.”
Jonathan Wignall the Kells coach added: “We look forward to going to Wath Brow after this very quick turnaround.
“We know they will have changes in personnel and will be smarting after last week so we will have to be ready for what will no doubt be a physical, fast start.
“We have a number of changes ourselves though, du to a variety of reasons with festivals, holidays, work and, of course, injuries sustained in last week’s tough game.
“We aim to improve in several aspects which we have worked on this week in training and hope to come away with the spoils at the end of the game.
“The nature of the League split means that each week we will be tested and that is a challenge I’m looking forward to.”
Tomorrow’s big clash is at Maryport where Cockermouth Titans are the visitors and this one, provided both are at strength, is too close to call.
The Athletic Ground is not available because it has been booked by the Youth section who have organised a Family Fun Day. Consequently they will play at Netherhall Rugby Union club.
Coach Mark Foster said: “I suppose we are like a lot of other clubs play summer rugby – losing lads who are on holiday, Kendal Calling has taken a few and we have some injuries, including three that could be season-enders.
“But we have still got a good side together and I’m sure they will all give 100% against what we expect to be a good Cockermouth side, who beat us narrowly last time.
“This second half of the season is going to be very tight with teams capable of taking points off each other. I’m looking forward to it.”
Cockermouth have done really well this season and coach Liam McAvoy is looking forward to the team putting-up a good show in the second phase.
Much will depend, though, on how many of his dual-purpose rugby union players remain available with their season due to start in a month’s time.
