BARROW Island begin their National Conference campaign with a tasty clash against Yorkshire side Elland at Rating Lane.

Other Conference ties see Millom also at home as they face Crosfields at Coronation Field, while fellow Division Two side Askam head to Leigh East.

Barrow Island v Elland

(Rating Lane, 2.30pm)

BARROW Island are back in the National Conference and play host to Elland in the opening fixture of the Division Three campaign.

Looking ahead to the game, Island boss Joe Elliott said: “This is where we belong. It is good to be back in his competition.

“We are looking ahead to a good season. We have everything going for us off the field with the clubhouse looking good, and we have a strong youth section that bodes well for the future.

“It’s all looking healthy at present with numbers in the mid-20s at training and a solid squad of players.

“There will be competition for places and that can only be good for myself and Steve Clarke (a member of the coaching team).

“We have recruited well and the younger ones will be given an opportunity and we will see if they are up to the Conference standard.”

Elliott was hit by the massive blow of losing former Raiders captain Liam Harrison to injury last weekend, when he suffered a broken leg in the fourth minute of their pre-season match at Askam.

“As everyone knows, Liam broke his leg in two places in the pre-season game at Askam. It is a massive blow with all his experience. I told him it was not necessary to play at Askam, but he wanted to play and you could see in the changing room what he has to offer, he spoke well to the other lads and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Elland are an unknown quantity having dropped two leagues after failing to fulfil a fixture last season, so they should be a decent side.

Elliott has brought in old boys Lee and Josh Haney, along with Lee Dutton, Carl McBain and Spencer Hoyland, while Joe Mallinson comes via Furness Rugby Union club. Also on board are Dalton’s BARLA international Alastair McEwan and Askam flier Jonathan Walsh.

Millom v Crosfields

(Devonshire Road, 2.30pm)

MILLOM start life back in Division Two of the Conference with high expectations for a successful season.

Coach Tom Sibley said ahead of the opener against the Warrington-based side: “Pre-season has gone really well and there is plenty of competition for places, we have a strong squad and, though we have not had a lot of time on the pitch, we have had several good sessions in the gym which has been worthwhile.

“It has been difficult naming this week’s 17, but competition can only be good for us.”

Sibley is without the experienced Marcus O’Brien, as the BARLA international has gone up the coast to Egremont.

Tom Newbiggin has been given the task of making the number nine shirt his own, while Midge Dixon is back on board.

Ethan Kelly will be a force after his pre-season training and friendly appearances with Barrow, while a fully-fit Steve Dawson should be a big threat up front.

Youngsters Connor Mitchell and Kyle Evans will be looking to make their mark while Lee Edmondson – who missed last season with a back injury – is at least two weeks away from fitness.

Leigh East v Askam

KRISTIAN Tyson makes a welcome return after missing most of last season through injury, while brother Mark is also named in the squad following his broken arm.

Tom Hopkins has recovered from a broken hand and Jamie Butler is back after a broken leg, while unavailable are Tom Goffatt and Joe Dowsett. Coach Mike Wilson said: “It will be a hard opener and, though we have lost Sam Dowsett (to Workington), we will have a strong side out at Leigh.

“The lads are raring to go, we have had two good run-outs in pre-season and have brought in three Ulverston lads – Liam Saunders, Marc Dixon and Jake Spedding – so there is plenty of competition, but you need it in this league.”

Hindpool Tigers v Pilkington Recs

(Brisbane Park, 2.30pm)

THE Tigers will look to make a winning start to their North West Men’s League Division One campaign as they take on the St Helens side.