A NEW champion will be crowned in the Barrow and District Top-Four play-offs this season, with the semi-finals kicking off tonight.

With reigning champions Hindpool already out of the running, it is left to their league rivals to do battle for the honours.

League winners Askam are favourites to lift the cup and have a home tie against Barrow Island.

Hopefully the Island can raise a side and, if they do, they have plenty of youth and experience among their ranks to give the Villagers a real test.

Walney travel to Ulverston for what should be a fast, open game.

Ulverston, who finished second in the league, are a young side who never know when they are beaten and keep going to the final whistle. Walney, who have some experienced players back, will give the Dragley Beck boys a stern test in a game that could go either way.

The final will be played at Craven Park on Friday, September 2.

Walney go into their match tonight hoping to better their semi-final result last week, when they fell victim to Hindpool in the CJS Cars KO Cup and relinquished their grip on that trophy.

In a thrilling game at Brisbane Park, Hindpool triumphed 44-30, a great win for a side who have propped up the table all season. Brad Rowan led the way, scoring three tries, followed by Conner McDermott with two. Ryan Smith, Josh Archer and Lee Boyde also crossed the whitewash and Grant Burns kicked six goals.

The final sees them face Askam.

There will be a Cumbria Under-19s trial match at Millom on Wednesday (7pm kick-off). All players selected by their clubs who have been training at Craven Park are asked to attend, arriving no later than 6.30 pm.

Tonight’s Fixtures: Top-Four Play-off Semi-finals (7pm): Askam v Barrow Island, Ulverston v Walney Central.