The two semi-finals in the Firpress Printers Cumberland Cup dominate the local programme for rugby league enthusiasts who follow the Holmen Iggesund Cumberland League.
There’s an early kick-off (1pm) at Wath Brow where the Hornets A team entertain Lowca while the second semi-final is Kells A v Maryport (2.30pm).
It’s possible to see most of both games and the hardy contingent of followers in the amateur game are sure to take advantage of the staggered starts.
The Brow will start favourites against Lowca but it’s not that long ago that they met and Lee Allen’s team did enough on that occasion top suggest they could be a handful on another day.
Paul Farrell coach already has the E B Lamb and Son Amateur Cup in the Hornets trophy cabinet and has set his sights on more as they currently lead the Premier Division as well going into the final few games of the season.
Kells A and Maryport should also be close but the hosts are extra keen to give the club a boost after last night’s defeat by Wath Brow in the National Conference Premier Division virtually condemned the first team to relegation.
Maryport will be playing their first game in a month and their second game in eight weeks, hardly the preparation needed for a semi-final.
It has worked in one way, that players who were nursing injuries have now recovered and are able to be up for selection.
The other game this afternoon is in the First Division where Flimby entertain Askam. It will be Askam’s first game for six weeks and that has had implications as one or two have drifted away, losing interest through lack of action.
Player coach Chris Broadley said they should be able to bring 15 for the game which they are looking forward to after a very good, open contest against them earlier in the season.
