Last updated at 17:01, Friday, 01 February 2013

STARVED of game-time and missing key players, Millom head to Kirkby Lonsdale A tomorrow aiming to get their Cumbria League season up and running again.

Two blank weekends caused by the weather have left the Wilson Park outfit twiddling their thumbs – but hopefully they will get back on the field against bottom-of-the-table Kirkby Lonsdale A and earn victory points to help their target of a top-five finish.

Second row partners Adam and Danny Redhead are missing, as is veteran flanker Simon Long, who will be at Twickenham for the England versus Scotland match. In the backs the creative Chris Park has work commitments, as has centre Simon Pearson, so coach Steven Woodburn has no choice but to give some in-form second teamers the chance to shine.

“It’s not the best team we have had out this season but it gives the chance for some of the younger players to come into the team and put a marker down and impress the selection committee,” said Woodburn.

“Lads like Jason Metcalf, Ryan Edgelare and Steven Thompson have been knocking on the door to get in the side by putting in good performances regularly in the second team.

“The weather will have a big say in the result, especially on Kirkby Lonsdale’s heavy pitch, so a lot of ball-carrying by the forwards is going to be needed if the team gets anything out of the match.

“We will rely a lot on the front row of Cummings, Doyle and Rogan and the bustling Trevor Dixon getting over the gain line to make space for backs like Jamie Kershaw and Shane Clark to work in.”

First published at 16:55, Friday, 01 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk