Ulverston and Roose Pioneers are both seven days away from the start of their league programme in the North West Men's league, but are both in action in cup competitions.

Ulverston, frustrated by their Barton Townley Cup tie with Pioneers being called off twice (the match has yet to be rescheduled) go to Haydock in the NWML Cup.

Skipper Matty Storey and Marc Dixon have work commitments while Sam Shepherd is struggling to overcome a shoulder problem.

Also out after carrying bans from last season are Brad Wilkinson and James Porter.

Looking ahead of the trip, coach Dennis Porter said: "We don't know much about Haydock - they came down a league so they may not be a bad outfit.

"It will be nice to get a game under our belts and we will choose from a squad of 19.

"We have a couple of young lads coming through in Dale Beck and Andy McKie but with having a under 18s team this year wont be calling on them unless we have too.

"It's not been a good time to get on Dragley Beck but have had some good sessions in Matty Green's gym. It will be nice to get on to a pitch this week.”

It is Ulverston's first competitive run-out of the season before they get their Division One campaign started with a home game against Haresfinch the following week.

In the NWML Trophy, Roose Pioneers travel to Oldham and a clash with Cadishead Rhinos, who they take on at the same venue in next week's league opener.

Old campaigner Glen Phillips returns after missing most of last season, he is joined in the squad by Josh Torkington but unavailable are Adam Batty, Liam Armistead, Chris Deakin, Lewis Sayle and Kyler McPoland.

Coach Jordan Herdman said: “We're going to the unknown, as I've never played them in all my years with Pioneers or Barrow Island, so it will be a good test for the lads.

"We go looking for a win and also to see how the opposition play with us going back down next week.”