Askam and Barrow Island look to make it two wins from two

Walney Central and Ulverston are in Cumbria Cup action.

Askam v Thornhill

(Fallowfield Park, 2.30pm)

FRESH from their emphatic 38-0 win at Leigh East last week, the Villagers will have to be on their guard for the visit of Thornhill Trojans, who opened their campaign with a 34-4 victory over Wigan St Jude’s.

And though the National Conference Division Two season could not have got off to a better start, Askam coach Mike Wilson will keep his players feet firmly on the ground.

He said ahead of the game: “I was very happy with the approach and the win but we must be careful tomorrow.

“Thornhill are always a good side and they beat us convincingly at home last year – but it is a new season and we are up for it.

“We scored some very good tries last week and, with a little more patienc,e we could have had five or six more. We will work on that aspect of when getting into good scoring positions to be more aware and not bomb opportunities.

“We scored three late tries which proved our fitness was up to scratch, and our defence was sound.”

Tom Goffatt will be added to last week’s squad, but with no injuries or other commitments it looks like being the same 17 on duty.

Barrow Island v Oldham St Annes

(Rating Lan,e 2.30pm)

LEE Haney has been sidelined after just one game following his return to the Island.

Haney, the former Barrow Raiders player who crossed for a brace of tries in last week’s 40-12 opening-day Division Three victory over Elland, cracked his wrist in the closing stages and will be out of action for at least three weeks.

Also unavailable for the clash with the Oldham side are Scott Hadwin (ribs), Joe Mallinson (hamstring) and Gareth Shaw (unavailable).

Blain Marwood, who missed out last week through injury, is added to the squad, which will be named tonight.

Coach Joe Elliott said: “We have several A-teamers in contention, so we will have a look to who could step up and do a good job.

“We have a very strong squad this season. They are all keen and very enthusiastic.

“It was a good win last week against Elland, who were a big side. We did the job on them, but we won’t get carried away. Tomorrow is another challenge. We take one game at a time as there are some tough games ahead.”

Walney Central v Seaton

(Central Drive, 2.30pm)

JORDAN Staffieri returns for this Cumbria Cup first-round tie, along with Jamie Morrow and Eddie Matsine.

Work rules out Liam Finch, while unavailable are Jamie Ralph and Mike Darby (ribs).

Coach Jan Elliott is pleased to go into the game on the back of a good win over Roose Pioneers two weeks ago.

He said. “It was a good work out against Pioneers on a terrible day, we worked hard and we look to make progress in this competition.

“It’s good to see Jamie Morrow back after suspension and we will have a strong side out and hopefully we will get through and a home semi-final tie with Glasson next weekend.”

Bradford Dudley Hill v Millom

THE Woollybacks go to West Yorkshire hoping to pick up their first points of the season after going down 34-10 at home to Crosfields last week.

Though disappointed with the result, coach Tom Sibley is not overly worried after one game. He said: “Silly errors didn’t help last week. I am not too concerned at present, it is early days.

“Crosfields were a good side and we have worked hard this week in training to put matters right. It is always a tough time when you go to Dudley Hill but we will give it our best shot.”

Sibley will sit this one out, while also missing are Midge Dixon (work), Jonathan Hodgson (work) and Joe Shaw (unavailable).

Into contention come Jordan Moyes, Cahill Evans and Callum Lamont.

Ulverston v Wath Brow A

(Dragley Beck, 2.30pm)

ULVERSTON look to make progress in the Cumbria Cup, but go into battle with the West Cumbrians minus Jamie Sandham and Mark Wilkinson.

They both have work commitments, while Liam High has a rib injury.

Coach Phil Atkisnon has also been dealt a double blow, with Mark Saunders and Scott Houston possibly ruled out for the entire season through injury.

Atkinson said ahead of the Dragley Beck clash: “We have players unavailable but we have strength in depth and with the A-team game with Hindpool called off we have enough to choose from.

“The Brow will come a determined side.

“It may be their second string, but they always give you a good game and they are well coached. We look for a win which will put us in good stead for the rest of the season.”

Roose Pioneers have forfeited their tie with Glasson due to lack of players.

Parkside Golborne v Hindpool Tigers

THE Tigers travel south looking to kick-start their North West Men’s League Division One season.

l There is one Barrow And District League game tomorrow, with Dalton hosting Barrow Island at Kelland Park (12.30pm kick-off).

l The funeral takes place today of former rugby leasgue player Frank Critchley. Frank, who passed away last week, was a classy full-back for Marsh Hornets in the 1950s and 1960s when the Hornets were a top side in the Barrow and District League playing alongside the likes of ‘Podge’ Johnson and flying wingers Ray Maguire and Ronnie Tyson.

The funeral service is being held at Sacred Heart Church, in Barrow (11.30am).