PLAYER/COACH Tom Sibley returns to action as Millom look to book a place in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup third round tomorrow.

The Woollybacks host National Conference Premier Division newcomers Pilkington Recs at Devonshire Road for what looks to be a tough clash (2pm kick-off).

Seasoned former BARLA Great Britain international Sibley pulled out of the first round tie with the University of Hull, but his appearance at Coronation Field tomorrow will boost the Conference Division One outfit.

One of the Conference’s top forwards, Sibley’s inclusion could be the only change from the line-up that defeated the university side 32-14 two weeks ago.

The Millom boss said, tongue-in-cheek: “If I can’t get in the side when I pick it, then there is something wrong!

“Seriously though, the lads could do the business without myself, but with it being an important game against a team that has gained promotion in two successive years I feel I should be on the pitch.

“The lads are capable of winning. They are in confident mood coming on the back of promotion and a good first round win, although I felt at times we were a bit rusty.

“Now we have had that first run out, we will go into the game confident.

“We know we are in for a tough game. Pilks are a good side and are in the Premier Division, so it should be a good contest.

“The way we played against the university was positive and we can build on that result. I was never worried that we would not get the right result, apart from when they took a 6-0 lead.

“Once we got going, we played good rugby and were very strong up front through Steve Dawson and Mattie Palmer, while Joe Shaw shone at centre (scoring three tries) and overall the team played well.”

Sibley is hopeful his side can make it to round three, when the League One clubs come into the competition, with no better incentive to win than to possibly draw Barrow Raiders at Coronation Field.

He added: “It looks likely to be the same side that beat the university and we are hopeful Marcus O’Brien comes through a fitness test.

“Marcus damaged his arm early in the game and we are sweating on him being available, although when he went off we moved Adam Kelly to nine and Rickie Donaghue slotted in at half-back. We will wait and see before we finalize the line-up. We have brought Liam Brady into the squad as cover.”

Also awaiting a late test will be Ross Brookes, who has a knee problem.

The Woollybacks will be seeking a little revenge for two cup defeats at the hands of Pilks.

In 1969/70 they lost 28-7 in a Lancashire Cup tie, ending the game with 11 men as Bob Coglan and Ceddy Jackson were both sent off.

A year later, they just failed to join the pro clubs in the Challenge Cup, going down 26-11 in the final qualifying round.

Millom are not the only Cumbria club seeking to reach round three. Conference sides Kells, Wath Brow and Egremont are looking to book their places, alongside Cumbria League side Distington.

West Cumbrian followers are spoilt for choice, as cup kings Kells entertain Underbank, Egremont take on Mayfield and Wath Brow play host to Oulton Rangers, while Distington travel to York Acorn.

Millom (from): Brookes, Myers, Shaw, Donaghue, Wright, Hodgson, A Kelly, Carter, O’Brien, D Kelly, Armstrong, Dawson, Palmer, Sibley, Thompson, Heasley, Warren, Saunders, Brady.

Referee: N Bennett.