CONFERENCE side Barrow Island go in search of their eight victory in the Barton Townley Cup Final when they take on North West Men’s League's Dalton at Craven Park tonight (7-30pm).

Island will start as hot favourites but face a tough challenge from the Kelland Park side.

In a season that has been disrupted through Covid, both teams have put in some creditable performances in their respective leagues.

Though Island play at a higher level, Dalton have been very competitive in the NWML and fear no one locally.

Dave High's young side will be firing on all cylinders aiming to add the BT trophy to the CJS knock out cup which was won by their “A” team last weekend when they defeated Islands second string.

Looking ahead to the challenge, High said: "It doesn't bother us going into the game as under-dogs we are a confident side who like to play open rugby.

"These lads rarely let me down they are enthusiastic and have no pressure on them to lift the trophy.

"We have built this team over several years most playing first team level from a very young age, so nothing fazes them whoever the opposition are."

His counterpart in the Island camp Shaun Corrie is well aware not to take the opposition lightly.

He said: "Dalton are a very good side and when two local teams meet outside their own respective leagues it is all about bragging rights.

"It's always good to get one over whoever you play in local cups, and we will not take them lightly.

"They are a team full of good players, but we have a good all-round team, and it is going to be a difficult time to leave players out.

"The lads have done very well this season in the Cumbria league, and it will be hard on those left out.”

Whatever the outcome the name Stockdale will be on the winning side with Elliott the England under 20s skipper facing brother Jake in the Island camp. Both lads play full back for their respective teams.

The BT competition is now in its 39th year with Millom the first ever winners in 1982 when they defeated Barrow Island.

Teams:

Dalton: Stockdale, Purslow, Coulson,Brown, Sharpe, Baines,Gordon, B Richards, Joe Crarey,J. Jones, Stephenson, Jack Crarey,Steele.Subs; Hayes, E Jones, Park Gedling.

Barrow Island: J Stockdale,A Wright, Jones, Garner, Moore,Jackson, Irvine,C McBain, Sandesron, Parkinson, D Wright, McEwan, Spencley, Bartlett, Robinson, Corrie, Ford, Hadwin, Clegg, Sutherland.

Referee C Regan.Touch Judges. A Giles.D Clarke.