There’s a busy weekend programme of amateur rugby league which gets underway tonight with some tasty games in prospect.
Cumbria Crack’s John Walsh talks this week to Andrew Smith, the Hensingham head coach who has stepped up to the top job this season.
The Hensingham A team are first in action tonight with a home game against Millom A and then there’s a tight-looking contest between the two senior sides down at Millom tomorrow in the Cumbria Conference.
You can hear Andrew in conversation with Walshie below as they discuss the Hensingham game, the League in general and how the coach has progressed through the sport.
There’s a big derby game in the Cumbria Conference tonight at Maryport where Ellenborough Rangers are the visitors.
The two sides drew 28-28 when they met earlier in the season and have both been in decent form.
With town bagging rights on the line this is sure to be a hotly-contested affair and might almost be as close as last time.
The other game tonight is in the Cumbria Men’s First Division and sees leaders Aspatria Hornets putting their unbeaten record on the line at Egremont A.
In the Cumbria Conference leaders Dalton won’t be following-up as their game at Seaton has been postponed.
Seaton asked for it to be delayed until July 18 but Dalton can’t play then.
That leaves Millom v Hensingham, which we’ve covered and the two games – Distington v Ulverston and Hindpool v Barrow Island.
Three games are programmed tomorrow in the Cumbria Men’s League Premier Division – Flimby Vikings v Cockermouth Titans; Lowca v Kells A and Roose Pioneers v Askam.
There’s one game in Division One, another town derby with Glasson Rangers travelling the short distance to Maryport A.
Glasson will be looking to follow-up last week’s first win of the season at Dalton A.
Up in the top flight Wath Brow Hornets will be looking to get back in the groove again when they entertain West Bowling.
They suffered a heavy defeat at Waterhead Warriors last week against a very good side.
A poor completion rate, compounded by basic errors, contributed to a costly first-half and after a brief revival the Warriors ran away with the game.
Hornets are sixth in the National League Premier Division three points and two places ahead of tomorrow’s visitors.
In Division One both west Cumbrian sides are on their travels.
Leaders Kells travel to third-placed Dewsbury Moor Maroons when a win would open up an eight point gap.
Dewsbury Celtic, who are level on points with Kells, might have a tricky test at East Leeds who are pretty solid at home.
Egremont Rangers could close the gap on the Marrons if Kells win there and they can do their own business at Stanningley.
As things stand Stanningley have won four of their 11 games and trail Egremont by four points.
