Cumbria’s three National Conference Premier Division sides all have important home matches this weekend.
Wath Brow Hornets, looking to secure their place in the top six, entertain Lock Lane – one of the most improved sides in the division.
The Castleford side looked relegation candidates early in the season when they couldn’t put a win together but a change of coach and an influx of players have produced the required response.
It’s not to long since they beat Wath Brow in Castleford and last week they were too good for Kells. Provided they travel in strength they could pose problems for Ian Rooney’s men if the Hornets are not on their game.
Kells have what could be described as a four pointer at home to West Bowling, with the Whitehaven side too close to the bottom three for comfort.
“It’s a must win game simple as that. We can’t wait about for our opponents. We must go out and make it difficult for them and be a bit more productive with the ball,” said head coach Peter Smith.
After a promising start to life back in the top flight Egremont Rangers have slipped to the bottom of the table and need to put in a big finish – although injuries have played a big part in them falling away.
They host Rochdale Mayfield this afternoon and coach Rhys Davies said: “It’s going to be another big ask to compete with a physical Rochdale side, but all we can do is try our best week after week until the end of the season.”
In Division Two Ellenborough Rangers are on a disappointing run, especially at home, and they have the biggest test of all today against League leaders Shaw Cross Sharks.
Coach Paul Gorge was particularly disappointed in how his side were well beaten by Millom last week as previously they have competed strongly in every game. They will hopefully raise their game to take on the Sharks who are pushing towards the title.
The other two Cumbrian sides in Division Two are struggling at the wrong end of the table and face difficult away trips.
Barrow Island go to Normanton Knights while Millom travel to Oldham St Annes.
In Division Three Seaton Rangers have had to concede their game at Featherstone Lions as they are unable to raise a team – ironically against the one team below them in the table.
Leaders Distington have a welcome week off to patch up a growing list of injured players which leaves Hensingham to continue their fight to consolidate in the top three.
They take on Milford, a big, physical side and coach Kris Coward is looking for his side to build on last week’s good win.
“We have a couple of injuries to young players Miller Dalton and Fletcher Holgate but there are lads coming back so I’m hoping we can deal with Milford’s threat and get another two points on the board,” said Coward.
