BARROW Island are ready for life in National Conference League Division Two and begin with a home game against East Leeds tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm).

Blain Marwood returns after illness ruled him out of last week’s Barton Townley Cup win over Roose Pioneers.

Also in contention are Chris Burns and Matty Sayle, while Dan White is unavailable along with possibly Callum Nelson, who is injured.

Coach Joe Elliott is looking ahead to the challenge of a higher division in the NCL, saying: “Going up was our aim and it is a new challenge, one that we are all looking forward to.

“We had a good run out against Pioneers; our attack was good and being at near full strength caused selection problems.

“It was a difficult decision naming the 17 and it is up to those lads in the shirts tomorrow to keep them as lads are waiting in the wings.”

Island played some fast-flowing rugby against Pioneers (44-4) at Furness Rugby Union’s Strawberry Grounds in a match which attracted a large crowd.

In Division Three, Millom aim to bounce back after losing out in the final minute (22-20) at home to Waterhead in last week’s opening fixture.

“It was a disappointing result, but we were not at our best,” said Millom player-coach Tom Sibley. “We have to pick ourselves up for what will be a tough season ahead.

“We went over many things in training and we need a win to set us up for the season, the lads are all keen to get that win.”

The Wooybacks go into action without star man Ethan Kelly who had a successful trial for professionals Whitehaven against Oldham last week. Also out are Dom O’Brien and Ethan Bickerdyke, while set to return are Luke Brady and Tyler Lancaster.

Rated doubtful are Paul Carter (ankle), Midge Dixon (hamstring) and Noah Robinson (concussion).

Askam start their Division Two campaign with a trip to West Bowling and go with a healthy squad on the back of a final run out against Egremont last week.

Coach Dave Clarke said: “We have only had two run outs, Millom and Egremont, and they were games we got a lot out of. We go into the game in a positive manner with no injuries and are well-prepared.”

Roose Pioneers mark their return to the North West Men’s League with a home game against Spring View (Holebeck Park, kick-off 2.30pm).

Joint-coach Mike Backhouse said: “It was a god run out against Barrow Island, where we learnt a lot.

“We will have a more experienced team out tomorrow with myself at nine,’Twiggy’ Larkin at 13 and Glen Phillips at six, while promising youngster Don Coulson will partner Philips at half-back.”

However, Roose are without the services of Alex Brown, Jake Torkington, Ronnie Neale, Jordan Herdman and Dave Oakley. Returning are Shaun Mason, Liam Armistead and Glen Kaighan.