Published at 00:00, Friday, 23 November 2007

AMATEUR RL

MILLOM v ASKAM

Devonshire Road 2pm

MILLOM are engaged in their second derby game within a week in the Conference second division when they entertain close neighbours Askam.

The result should be a certain home win, however derby games can throw up a surprise result and Millom boss Steve Mossop is under no illusions of what is in store.

He said: “You can’t always go on league form, derby games are always difficult and Askam are no exception to this rule.

“We are going well and they are at the wrong end of the table but they have shown great improvement over the last two weeks.

“We will give Tammy Tyson and his players the greatest respect.

“We would never underestimate them and we look forward to an interesting game.”

Millom are joint-top with 10 wins from 11 games. Askam, on the other hand, have just one win from 11 games and are second-bottom.

Two weeks ago they got that elusive first win of the season with a victory over Lock Lane and last week put up a sterling performance before going down 18-6 to a strong Stanningley side.

Millom are expected to parade the same 17 that crushed Egremont last week.

Askam coach Tyson said: “It will be hard.

“Millom are flying at the moment, but if we can compete like we did against a strong Stanningley side, then we will be okay.

“Both teams will be up for it so it should be a good game.”

Injured Ben Lewney and Jack Galloway are out, but otherwise it will be a similar side to last week, with the likes of Lee Norman, Jamie Butler, Tom Butler and Mike Wilson the backbone of the side.

Millom A meet Askam A at Fallowfield Park tonight (kick-off 7pm).

ROOSE PIONEERS v SHEVINGTON

Redwaters 2pm

ANDY McClure and Mike Larkin come into contention for Pioneers but work rules out Danny Burns.

Pioneers are two points clear of Blackbrook A with Shevington in mid-table.

Pioneers won the away clash and on form should complete the double.

Coach Jim Perry said: “Last week’s win over Ulverston was our best performance of the season, so we aim to build on that.

“The confidence is sky high and we look forward to picking up another two points.”

ULVERSTON v BLACKBROOK A

Dragley Beck 2pm

ULVERSTON, still smarting from last week’s heavy defeat at Pioneers aim to get back on track but face another tough hurdle against the league leaders.

Coach Alan Moses has to lift his players for a tough encounter with the St Helens side. Moses said: “It was a bad day at the office last week at Pioneers and we have sat down this week and given it a good airing. We know what we have to do and we must compete.”

Martin John is unavailable along with Ruairi McGoff and Mike Bradshaw, but back in training is Steve O’Connor after recovering from a broken collar bone.

WALNEY CENTRAL v WIDNES MOORFIELD

Central Drive 2pm

A WIN for Walney will take them on level points with Moorfield who are third in the first division of the North West Counties.

Scott McAloone, Jamie Morrow and Tom Heavyside are back in contention, while work rules out Danny McBain.

Coach Jan Elliott said: “It was good to get a win last week but we need to improve on our ball possession.

“It will be a hard game, they are third but we are at home.”

DALTON v HEYSHAM ATOMS

Kelland Park 2pm

DALTON look for another win to boost their promotion hopes when they take on Heysham.

Sam Costa faces a late fitness test on a knee problem, while a shoulder injury rules out Ryan Birkby with James Nixon unavailable.

Coach Owen Richards said: “We beat them 28-0 away but you can’t read anything into that result now, it was over two months ago.

“But we are playing good rugby and the lads have plenty of confidence at present.”

PARKSIDE v BARROW ISLAND

OWEN Williamson is out with a calf strain while Jamie Wilkes is unavailable.

Coach Anthony O’Kane said: “We played really well for an hour against Bank Quay (league leaders) last week before they got on top.

“If we can improve on that, then we can get a result.”

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