WALNEY Central face the first of two big matches with Cumbria League rivals Distington tomorrow.

The sides clash at Central Drive looking to show themselves as one of the leading contenders for the season.

Hindpool are in cup quarter-final action, while Ulverston seek a response following back-to-back defeats in the Cumbria League.

National Conference League sides Millom, Askam and Barrow Island are all without games, as the Conference Cup takes over from the league schedule this weekend.

WALNEY CENTRAL v DISTINGTON

(Central Drive, 1pm)

CUMBRIA League rivals Distington come to Central Drive for the early kick-off in a game that is vital for both sides.

With the return fixture scheduled for next weekend, both will want to put down a marker in the first encounter.

The threat for the West Cumbrians comes from big centre Gavin Martin, who rarely has a bad game in this neck of the woods.

Martin was the man who destroyed Ulverston last week as Distington triumphed 42-10, bagging four tries and five goals – but he is not the only threat in a solid all-round team.

The two clubs have had many an interesting battle over the last three years, and tomorrow's game should be no different, as Cents look to get back on track following their one-point defeat at Ellenborough a fortnight ago.

Coach Jan Elliott said: “We are anticipating a hard game.

“Distington are a very good side, so we will have to be on top of our form.

“We have lost the odd game or two – games we could have won – so it is important that we get a result.”

Dave Nicholson, Connor Pearce and Mike Whitehead return for the home side, but absent are injured duo Liam Finch (knee) and Jamie Morrow (thumb), along with unavailable trio of Stuart Tippett, Mike Elliott and Dave Warne.

ULVERSTON v WATH BROW HORNETS A

(Dragley Beck, 2.30pm)

JOHN Hutton and Brad Williamson return for Ulverston tomorrow as they welcome the Brow, with Ryan John rated 50/50 with a shoulder injury.

Work commitments could rule out Joe Ward, with Josh Rankin and Andrew Benson also missing from last week's squad, which fell to defeat against Distington.

Coach Phil Atkinson is looking for revenge after losing heavily at the Brow two weeks ago, and said: “We want to put it right. We were well beaten at their spot and also at Distington last week, although I was quite pleased with the efforts of a scratch side at Distington. Late tries blew us away.”

HINDPOOL TIGERS v SHEVINGTON SHARKS

(Brisbane Park, 2.45pm)

THE Tigers entertain North West Men's League Premier Division side Shevington in the League Cup, and will field a strong side.

Jamie McIloy and Chris Archer are the only absentees for the hosts, while former Barrow Island and Dalton schemer Chris Reid now resides at Brisbane Park and will rotate with Matt Archer at number nine.

In-form Josh Bayliss and Connor McDermott both return for this quarter-final clash.

Hindpool coach Phil Cubiss said: “We are looking healthy for a change, and look forward to playing a Premier League side.

“It will be a good test for us to see how we have come on this season.”