WITH England’s World Cup quarter-final against Sweden as the day’s main attraction, local rugby league clubs have been busy trying to shift to earlier kick-off times to give supporters the best of both worlds.

At Rating Lane, where the main attraction is the match of the day between Barrow Island and Millom – a vital promotion tussle in the Third Division of the NCL – the hosts are expecting a bumper crowd along to enjoy a barbecue, the TV showing of the England game and a subsequent race night to raise funds for BARLA Great Britain tourists Sam Jones and Elliott Campbell.

Promotion is also high on the agenda at Ulverston, where Wigan St Judes A are due to be visitors, and at Brisbane Park for the battle of the big cats – Hindpool Tigers against Widnes Tigers.

All matches have been brought forward with their kick-off times, with varying schedules.

Askam are on the road into Yorkshire ,while Walney Central make the trip to St Helens.

BARROW ISLAND v MILLOM

(Rating Lane, 1.45pm)

WITH both sides eyeing a National Conference League Division Three promotion place, this promises to be a humdinger of a clash.

Barrow Island rattled up 100 points last weekend, and in their last match a fortnight ago, Millom just failed to hit the ton, chalking up a 90-0 victory.

Things will be a lot closer tomorrow as both sides get the chance to make up ground on the top two, Beverley and Clock Face Miners, who also go head-to-head.

“It’s a massive game for both of us – and we owe them one for the results up here,” said Millom player/coach Tom Sibley.

“We have been going well in training and we will have a few players coming back. I expect it will be a close run thing.”

Island’s Shaun Corrie said: “Nothing will be decided tomorrow, but the next three weeks will be crucial with a string of important games coming up.

“Millom are a good young side and will be out for revenge. There was only four points in it at their place.”

Island will expect to name a line-up similar to the one that hit the ton mark last weekend, while Millom, after a weekend off, will also be able to pick from strength, welcoming back Ross Brookes, Ricky Donaghue, Adam Kelly, Ethan Kelly and Tom Newbiggin.

The game kicks off at 1.45pm, meaning there will be a slight overlap with the England match. Work commitments for some of the visiting team meant it could not be brought any further forward.

There will be a big screen showing the World Cup quarter-final, which will also be on in the clubhouse.

ULVERSTON v WIGAN ST JUDES A

(Dragley Beck, 12.30pm)

MARC Storey returns to the Ulverston side after completing his three-match ban, along with Will Coles but Liam Winfield is out and there is a doubt over Keiron Potter who has a shoulder injury.

Phil Atkinson’s side are pushing hard for a North West Men's League Division Two promotion spot, with only Manchester Rangers – a side they have beaten twice – keeping them off top spot.

St Judes are a mid-table side, with seven wins from their 10 matches.

DEWSBURY MOOR v ASKAM

ASKAM coach Dave Clark is urging his players to show the same mental toughness away from home as they do at Fallowfield Park.

The trip to West Yorkshire is a crucial step in the Sandrats push for National Conference League Division Two promotion, and Clark is keen to see to see his side picking up wins on the road.

Last week’s unexpected heavy defeat at Drighlington was all down to a bad start, but the returns of Kristian Tyson and Stuart High are a boost for Clark.

HARESFINCH v WALNEY CENTRAL

NORTH West Men's Division One leaders Walney can move four points closer to promotion and the title.

That is the reward for a win in this double-header at St Helens, where Cents could be boosted by the return of key men Brad Nicholls, Jamie Morrow, Joe McMullen and Josh Holmes for the trip.

HINDPOOL TIGERS v WIDNES TIGERS

(Brisbane Park, 1pm kick-off)

HINDPOOL'S up-and-down North West Men's League Division One season is due a turn for the better, and victory would allow the Brisbane Park side to leapfrog tomorrow’s visitors and move into a top-four place.