A MASSIVE weekend of Barton Townley Cup action awaits as Askam, Ulverston, Barrow Island and Walney Cents bid to reach the final of the prestige knockout competition.

Askam v Ulverston

(Craven Park, tonight, 7pm)

CUP holders Askam are looking to retain the trophy as they take on Cumbria League Ulverston.

But according to coach Mike Wilson, the National Conferece side will have to tighten up in defence, with the former Villagers player warning that Ulverston could pose a big threat.

“It is a local derby game and anything can happen,” said Wilson. “We have shown this season that we can run in the points, but at the same time we are conceding too many.

“We are playing fast, attractive rugby, but if we are to get into the final we really will have to tighten up in defence. We are blowing hot and cold at the moment.

“It would be nice to get back-to-back wins in this competition by lifting the trophy, but I am aware that Ulverston will up their game. They have some good players.

“The lads are up for it and it is always a good day out for the fans to go to Craven Park. We just want them to enjoy the occasion.”

Darren Gaskell comes into the Askam squad that lost 33-30 at home to Crossfields last week. He has been out long-term with a knee injury but had a successful operation.

Still sidelined are Dan Sayle and Kris Tyson, while also unavailabe is BARLA international and former Ulverston player Tom Wilkinson.

Facing the Villagers is Wilkinson’s brother Mark, who replaces speed merchant Jamie Sandham, out with a dead leg.

Facing late fitness tests for Ulverston are Connor Saunders and Sam Shepherd, who are carrying slight knocks, otherwise it will be a similar squad to last week.

Coach Phil Atkinson returns to his former stamping ground hoping to reach the final, but he is aware his team could be up against it.

“We must be massive under-dogs with Askam playing at a higher, more intensive level, but you never know – these local derby cup games do produce shocks,” said the former Barrow Raiders player.

“It will be a good test for the lads knowing how far they are progressing this season. They are all up for it and looking forward to the game.

“Craven Park will not faze us as many of the lads have played there before. It is a wide pitch and it could suit both teams.

“We trained last night at Dragley Beck and we widened the playing area so we should be able to adapt. It should be a good tie.

“We will give it our best shot and enjoy the occasion. Both teams like to play open rugby.”

Barrow Island v Walney

(Craven Park, Monday 7pm)

ISLAND play their second game in the space of three days, but go into the tie without Furness Raiders youngster Jake Carter, who is troubled with a hamstring problem.

Coach Joe Elliott is delaying naming his squad until after tomorrow’s National Conference game with Oldham St Annes.

Cumbria League Walney should be almost at full strength, athough they have slight doubts over Dave Warne and Mike Elliott.

Cents’ Jan Elliott said: “We are looking very healthy in numbers, which is good for a change.

“We want to reach the final and know Island pose a threat.

“They have recruited well this season in the Haney brothers (Lee and Josh) and the likes of Jonathan Walsh, and they are now playing at a higher level than ourselves.

“And though the league is most club’s main concern, it is also nice to win local trophies and it is our aim to win this trophy.

“Craven Park will suit us both. We both like to play open rugby and throw the ball about, so adapting to a bigger pitch is no problem.”

Barrow Island v Oldham St Annes

(Rating Lane, tomorrow, 2.30pm)

ISLAND prepare for their cup derby up against a St Annes team who have won their last two games, while the Rating Lane club lost for only the second time at home in two years in going down 44-22 to Dewsbury Moor last weekend.

Carl McBain returns after missing out last week to boost the pack, while Jonathan Walsh returns in the back line. Joe Spencely is also available prior to returning to his university studies. Joe Mallinson is unavailable.

Looking at one game at a time, coach Joe Elliott said: “We have an important league game before Monday and will be concentrating on picking up two points.

“I am looking for the lads to respond to last week’s defeat. It was a lesson learnt. We will look at Monday’s game and name the squad later.”

Island’s second string defeated Askam 30-26 at Rating Lane in midweek, with tries coming from Declan Rogers, Mason Strickland, Rob Salt, Leon Storey and Gareth Shaw, with Aiden Wright adding five goals.

For Askam, tries came via Brad Jackson (plus three goals) Josh Steel (2), Joe Dowsett and Rory Marshall.