Aspatria face the biggest game they have had for many a year tomorrow when they travel to the north east to take on Guisborough.
It’s a relegation play off clash and if the Black Reds lose they will drop to Counties 1 Cumbria next season, the lowest level they will have played since the introduction of League rugby.
As Penrith have already been relegated from Regional 1 North East to Regional Two North, and Wigton have dropped back to Counties 1 Cumbria, it would complete a hugely disappointing season for the County in general.
Aspatria didn’t have the perfect send-off, either, in their final League game they were beaten 11-10 by fierce rivals and neighbours Wigton.
The Greens had not won a single game until Saturday so that would be a small consolation as they contemplate Counties 1 Cumbria rugby again.
Guisborough, by contrast, had a comprehensive 43-19 home win over Durham City who finished the season three points better off then their last-match conquerors.
In the table Aspatria, who finished next to bottom above Wigton, were 16 points behind Guisborough – a factor that suggests they face a tough test tomorrow.
Every effort is being made by the Aspatria club to ensure they put-out the strongest team possible and they have plenty of backing from travelling fans.
Meanwhile Counties 1 Cumbria complete their official League programme tomorrow, yet it seems unclear who is going to be involved in promotion play-off games or against whom.
Depending on who you listen to, and which way the wind is blowing, you hear different theories.
The only thing which looks certain is that Kirkby Lonsdale travel to Cockermouth needing a point to be sure of finishing top and earning promotion back to Regional Two North. Simon Barker takes charge.
Hawcoat Park are currently five points behind and complete their fixtures with a trip to Creighton (Martin Maughan) while Carlisle are a further point back and finish-off at Egremont (Dan Shovelton).
The other last-day games are: Playing tonight – Keswick 2nds v Penrith 2nds (Alan Jenkinson). Saturday – Workington v Whitehaven (Mike Firby); Ambleside v St. Benedict’s (Alistair Jones).
On Sunday young referee Archie Harding will be doing his first Under-20’s County game, Northumberland v Durham; there’s a crucial Unfder-18’s League game, Wigton v Ospreys (Martin Denvir) and at Egremont four girls finals in the Cumbria age grade cup finals covered by Gerry Garvey, Ben King and George Tressider.
