Three of the Cumbrian representatives in the first round of the BARLA National Cup this afternoon have had to concede their ties.
Ellenborough Rangers should have travelled to Normanton Knights; Millom were due to entertain Thatto Heath Crusaders and Hensingham also had a home tie with Featherstone Lions.
Elbra had to concede because they had so many players away for the bank holiday; Millom only had nine players available because of injuries and holidays while Hensingham were in a similar position.
In Hensingham’s case they are having problems rearranging a Cumbria Conference game with Dalton and the only available dates now are National Cup weekends.
If they had beaten Featherstone and progressed it was considered unfair on the Lions if they had to withdraw at a later stage of the competition.
But two Cumbrian sides will be involved in the first round with Distington hosting Woolston Rovers and Barrow Island at home to Hunslet ARLFC.
Distington coach Ryan Hodgson said: “We are looking forward to a break from the league and have a chance to give a few lads short on game time some good minutes that they deserve.
“It will be a very youthful team with few experienced lads in the mix. There are 18 lads unavailable due to injuries, work or holidays.
“But I’m delighted with the response from the lads to ensure the game goes ahead and we will give the Cup and opposition the respect they deserve, looking forward to putting in a good performance.”
Barrow Island will be without their skipper Finn Dutton who has been called into the Barrow Raiders side but still look strong for the visit of a good Hunslet side.
Ellis Archer and Trent Ruddy are free of Raiders commitments and will be in the starting line-up.
