HINDPOOL Tigers have prepared well for their North West Men’s League Division One clash against visiting Chorley as they bid to stay in the fight for a play-off place.

In the National Conference Division Two leaders Millom know they cannot afford any slip-up at Underbank while Askam head to second-placed Featherstone Lions.

Meanwhile, Barrow Island play their final Cumbria League game of the regular season at Glasson.

Hindpool Tigers v Chorley

Brisbane Park 2.30pm

THE Tigers will have to improve massively on last week’s result against St Pats A-team if they are to stay in contention for a play-off place in division one of the North West Men’s League.

It was a bad day at the office as they were crushed 54-10 at home to a strong and slick side.

Tomorrow’s opponents, Chorley, are in a similar position as the Tigers, pushing for a top four place, and it has all the ingredients of being a close affair.

Doubtful is Peter Rimmer who had a sound game against the Pats. He has a thumb injury while back in contention are Lee Boyd and Connor McDermott, otherwise it will be the same team on duty.

Coach Phil Cubiss said ahead of the game: “We have prepared hard in training this week.

“At this stage every game is a must win if we are to make the play-offs, we are aware that one slip-up will prove to be costly.

“We haven’t played Chorley so far this season but, going by their recent results, they have been similar to ourselves so we are expecting a tight game.

“Defence is vital and will be the key to how we go tomorrow, we have concentrated on this point this week leading into the game.

“It is important that we tighten up around their ruck area and control them, and if we do that we will give ourselves every chance of winning.”

Underbank v Millom

NATIONAL Conference Division Two leaders Millom go to fifth-placed Underbank knowing they can’t afford to slip-up with second-placed Featherstone Lions hot on their heels in the battle for the title.

However, due to a local wedding and other commitments several players are ruled out.

Chris Warren faces a late test on a jaw injury sustained in former Barrow Raiders player Peter Lupton’s farewell game last Sunday, while injury rules out Scott Mossop and Lee Edmondson, while Bob Wright comes back into the squad.

Coach Tom Sibley, himself an absentee, said: “Although we are going without several key players we will still have a relatively strong team out and are capable of winning.

“It is important that we win to keep the pressure on Featherstone.”

Jamie Rooney’s Lions are breathing down the Woollybacks’ neck.

They are a game ahead but two points behind and the cruncher could come in two weeks’ time when Millom go deep into Yorkshire for the return game having won 36-28 at home.

Featherstone Lions v Askam

ANY hopes of the Villagers doing Millom a favour looks bleak as they travel without several top liners.

Adam Jackson, Iestyn Humphries, Jonathan Walsh, Gary Bolton and Jack Moses are unavailable while Dan Sayle has been off colour this week and is doubtful.

In contention are Grady Slater, Tom Goffatt and possibly Rory Marshall.

Coach Mike Wilson said: “We are a bit thin in the back division although we are okay up front so it won’t be an easy game. We will draft in some A-teamers, they have played at this level before so they will go all right.”

Glasson v Barrow Island

ISLAND go up the coast for their last Cumbria League game of the regular season although they are still in contention for a top-four place.

Lee Edwards and Richard Chatfield are ruled out through injury otherwise they will field a strong side.

Coach Neil Shaw said: “Apart from Richard and Lee I have no other selection problems we have plenty of lads looking for a place in the team so we are looking or a win to book us a top-four spot.”