Walney head to West Cumbria to face Cumbria Men’s League champions Distington in the Cumbria Cup, while Millom expect a tough encounter against visiting National Conference Division One leaders Thatto Heath.
In the North West Men’s League Division One Hindpool Tigers meet Golbourne Parkside at Brisbane Park.
Barrow Island v Glasson Rangers
Rating Lane, 2.30pm
However, Island coach Joe Elliott is not being too optimistic and said ahead of the clash: “We are going all out to reach the final. It is a long time since we were in one, but we will not be taking them lightly.
“I know we have beaten them twice, the second time at their spot. I think our second half display that day was our best of the season.
“It is a cup tie and they will be going all out to give us a good game. They have some quality players and you don’t know who they will turn up with.
“We will be quietly confident but not over-confident while, at the same time, we are playing good rugby.
“We have had a two week lay-off since our loss at Walney, a game I thought our players lacked self belief in, but we do play confident rugby and will put that game behind us.”
Elliott is without Matt Sayle, who is getting married, and Dan White, who is attending the wedding, but back in contention are Scott Hadwin and Chris Burns.
Callum Nelson is ruled out with a leg injury, having lasted only a couple of minutes in the Walney game, and will be missed up front.
Elliott is looking at moving Richard Chatfield to loose forward and choosing between Jamie Curtis and Andy Cairns for the hooking role. Blain Marwood will move to the full-back position. Luke Cresswell and Perry Singleton are still on BARLA Great Britain duty in Jamacia.
Distington v Walney Cents
Both teams are undefeated in this season’s Cumbria Men’s League campaign with the West Cumbrians just pipping Walney for the title last season on points difference.
It is going to be a tough assignment for the Cents, who could be missing several players. Mike Whitehead and Chris Larkin are ruled out with ankle injuries while Blain Devlin and Eddie Matcini are unavailable.
The Finch brothers – Liam and James – are rated 50-50 and will undergo late fitness tests. Liam has been out for more a month with a hamstring setback while James has a calf problem.
Back in contention is Jordan Staffieri, who missed several games with a back injury, and with Matt Elliott on tour with BARLA in Jamaica, Declan Gavin, in top form recently, will retain the number nine shirt.
Cents coach Shaun Morrow said ahead of the clash: “It is going to be a tough one, we are both unbeaten in the league. We could be down in numbers but we will still have a decent side out and will give it our best shot.”
Millom v Thatto Heath
Devonshire Road, 2.30pm
Injuries in the Barton Townley final defeat at the hands of Askam have added to Millom’s woes. Tom Newbiggin broke a thumb while Joe Shaw suffered a broken leg after leaving the field hobbling on what was thought to be an ankle injury.
Rickie Donaghue is unavailable while player-coach Tom Sibley and Marcus O’Brien are still on BARLA’s tour in the Caribbbean.
Milom spokesman Gary Kelly said: “We are in the wars again and struggling to field a decent side having picked up further injuries against Askam.
“I thought we did very well with a weakened side. We played several young lads and they did us proud. Stand-in coach Lee Edmondson is still working hard on putting out a team in these difficult times.”
Hindpool v Golbourne Parkside
Brisbane Park, 2.30pm
Coach Phil Cubiss sees Matty Archer, Mike Kummer, Jamie Lynn and Adam Martin back in contention for the North West Men’s League Division One clash but will be without the injured trio of Josh Archer, Grant Burns and Connor McDermott.
Although Hindpool’s last league result at Wigan St Pats didn’t go the way of the Tigers, Cubiss felt his side produced some good things on the day but blew some chances which might have given them the edge in the game.
“It was just the numbers game that was the difference on the day,” he said.
“I’ve been pleased with the way that we have been going over the past few weeks and as always I am just looking for us to carry on improving week after week.
“Our halves have been great for us lately and they’re getting us around the pitch and dictating the play really well. The one thing we’re struggling with is keeping our concentration. Too often we are dropping off for long spells and letting other teams get at us.”
Looking ahead to the game against Golbourne at Brisbane Park, Cubiss added: “We can expect a good, hard, physical game on Saturday and I am sure it will be another good test for us.
“The league is still a little bit congested in the middle of the table and a win for either team is crucial. We can open up a little bit of a buffer between ourselves and the teams below with a win and Golbourne can close the gap, so I would expect it will be two teams giving their all on the day.”
* THERE is only one Barrow And District League game tonight as Ulverston take on Walney Cents in a second-versus-third clash. Both sides lost ground on leaders Askam recently, with Ulverston going down at Dalton and Walney losing heavily at Askam. However, with Askam involved in a Harry Warman Cup first round game against Dalton, this means the winners of tonight’s match will be able to close the gap on the Villagers. Dalton go into the cup game after gaining their first win of the season, and they also have a ten-point start, whereas Askam start off scratch. The other Harry Warman Cup fixture taking place is between last season’s winners Barrow Island and Hindpool at Rating Lane. The Island start with eight points, while Hindpool are off twelve. Last time out it was a high-scoring gamebut with home advantage Barrow Island should win this one. Cumbria ARL chiefs are looking for coaches at under-17s and Open Age level. This season all the county games are to be played at Craven Park. Anyone interested should get in touch with Terry Barker on 01229 830698. Fixtures: Tonight: Harry Warman Cup: Askam (0) v Dalton (10) Fallowfield Park 7pm; Barrow Island (8) v Hindpool (12) Rating Lane 6.30pm; Furness Floor and Tiling Barrow And District League: Ulverston v Walney Dragley Beck 6.30pm.
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