ASKAM face Hindpool in what is expected to be a thrilling Barrow and District League Top Four final as the curtain comes down for the season at Craven Park tonight (7pm kick-off).

There was little to choose between the sides when they met in the league and all the indications are that the climax of the competition, sponsored by Mike Marsh Contractors, will provide lots of entertainment.

Askam, who finished fourth in the table, defeated champions Walney Central to reach the final, while league runners up Hindpool won against third-placed Ulverston.

Askam coach Dave Hellon said: “We have had an up-and-down season but have come good at the end. I’m expecting a close game with Hindpool, where defences could be the key factor.”

His counterpart Phil Cubiss is also expecting a tight match and is looking forward to the game.

He said: “The players have worked really hard and done much better than anticipated and are reaping their just rewards.”

Cubiss said the players had done the Brisbane Park club proud and whatever the outcome it was great to reach the final.

Askam edged Walney 28-24 in the semis, but the Cents, 8-6 down at the break, were always chasing the game.

Tom Askew (2), Iestyn Humphries and Sam Broadley (above) crossed the whitewash for Askam, with Brad Jackson kicking four conversions and two penalties.

Try scorers for the Cents were John Corkhill (2), Brad Pearce and Jamie Ralph scored, with Frazer Livesey (2) and Jake Deveraux kicking the goals.

In the other semi-final, Hindpool defeated Ulverston 28-22 in a tie that was nip-and-tuck throughout.

Hindpool led 16-10 at half-time and their tries in the match came from Shannon Robinson, Connor Goodings, Adam Martin and Josh Eayliss. Connor McDermott kicked three conversions and a penalty. For Ulverston, Scott Howston (2), James Sandham and Brad Joy were the try-scorers. Liam Winfield kicked two goals, with Joe Ward also on target.

The league presentations will take place immediately after the final.

The Mark Coward Barrow and District Player-of-the-Year award goes to Brad Rowan, of Hindpool. Dalton’s Ryan Johnston is the winner of the Rob Livesey Trophy, with another Kelland Park player – Alastair McEwan – winning the youth player-of-the-year.