SOUTH Cumbria’s two National Conference sides lock horns at Craven Park tonight as they bid to lift the prestigious Barton Townley Cup.

Askam and Millom will face off at the home of Barrow Raiders, both looking to prove who is the best local side (7pm kick-off).

Millom are aiming to go one better than last season, when they lost out 13-12 in extra-time Walney. Askam are contesting their second final in three years.

The teams are competing for a Barton Townley Cup which was first contested in 1982, when Millom beat Barrow Island. They have lifted the trophy on nine occasions, while the Villagers have their name on it twice, their first victory coming in 1993 against the Woollybacks.

Neither team see themselves as favourites, although Millom are struggling at the foot of Conference Division One while the Villagers are riding high in second place a league below.

Millom go into battle minus experienced forwards Tom Sibley and Marcus O’Brien – who are both on the BARLA Great Britain Under-23s tour in Jamaica – while injury rules out Mattie Palmer and Steve Dawson.

In the Askam camp, Tom Hopkins is also touring in the Caribbean, while Barry Pugh is injured.

Askam Coach Mike Wilson is not taken in by Millom claiming they go into the game as underdogs, and said: “They are not having the best of seasons, but they are in a very tough league and I am anticipating a close and hard-fought game.

“They are a good side with a lot of experience and we will have to get the better of them up front. They may have players out, but they will still be strong in the forwards.

“It will be a difficult game and it will depend on who turns up and has the will to win and perform.

“We had a good win over Blackbrook last week, but there were areas that could have been better and we have worked hard on matters this week.

“We had a good run out with Barrow and I thank all at Craven Park for the evening’s work. I think the big pitch could suit us as we have pace in the outside backs, but it will be tight up front.

“We are having a good season, but we take one game at a time and hope to go one better than last year, when they beat us in the semi-final.”

Wilson is sweating on Mark Tyson being fit. The creative half-back damaged what appeared to be a nerve in his right arm last weekend and, though it has been sore, he is rated as better than 50/50 to play.

However, there is no return to Craven Park for brother Kris, who is injured.

Another former Raider, Jamie Butler, will take to the field and it will be a similar team to last week, with the addition of Stu High, Tom Askew, Tom Goffatt and Gareth Richards.

Millom spokesman Garry Kelly is looking forward to the game, and said: “We will go into the game as underdogs.

“We are expecting a tough one and we are without several of our best forwards, but we will still be pretty strong up front.

“Askam are a very good outfit – a club that I have a lot of respect for and have many friends down in the village. My old friend Tammy Tyson has had a foot in both camps, but he will be Askam through and through tonight. That friendship ends at kick-off time.

“We have had it tough in a very competitive and hard league with so many injuries, but you get on with it.

“Our men who are out will be missed and we will have to keep an eye on Mark Tyson if he’s fit – he’s a very good pivot and massive for them.

“Our lads are up for the challenge. We will have to be patient and get the better of them in the forwards then move the ball out wide.

“We will definitely miss Marcus O’Brien. He has been playing at the top of his form. His creativeness and kicking game have been vital for us so far this season.”

Kelly’s three sons will all be vital if the Woollybacks are to lift the trophy. Adam at half-back and Ethan and Dane up front all feature.

Aussie Warwick Carter, who shone throughout last season, returned for his first outing last weekend and Millom will be looking to Adam Kelly and half-back partner Jonathan Hodgson to get the upper-hand over Tyson and Adam Jackson and take their team forward.

Referee: Rob McAloone.

ROOSE PIONEERS v ULVERSTON

(Redwaters, 2.30pm tomorrow)

ULVERSTON travel to Redwaters seeking to complete the Cumbria League double over the home side.

They are without Liam High, Joe Hambley and Adam Mills.

In the Pioneers camp, Adam Batty, Joe Mallinson, Corne Els and Craig Deakin return, with Steve Perry also in contention.