UNAWARE in my ARL found up this week I stated that Millom avoided the drop into Division Three of the National Conference on the grounds that two teams are relegated.
That is not the case as three teams go down, so the fight for survival goes on this weekend with the Woolybacks, Barrow Island, Ellenborough and Pilkington Recs all in the mix for the final drop place.
Mytons and Saddleworth both go down, and a crucial game is Millom’s trip to Pilkington.
The St Helens side are currently in seventh place along with Millom both on 16 points, with Millom having a superior points difference (80).
Barrow Island are third bottom on 14 points and face Thornhill Trojans at home, while west Cumbrians Ellenborough, a place above on 15 points are home to Normanton Knights.
Millom helped their cause last weekend with a 52-10 win over Mytons, while Barrow Island did their chances of survival no harm with a 32-8 win at Saddleworth.
For the trip to South Lancashire, the Wooybacks are strengthened by the return of experienced players, skipper Lee Postlethwaite and Andrew Dawson, however not on the bus are Josh Blinkhorn (holiday) and Trent Ruddy (injured).
Barrow Island face Thornhill at the John Jefferson Stadium, a game that will hold a minute's silence for club stalwart Anthony O’Kane who lost his battle against Illness and passed away this week.
Tony alongside former Barrow player and Coach Pauk Kavangh played in a successful St Aloysius (Now St Bernards) schools team that won every competition locally.
The Island will go with a similar squad that won at Saddleworth, and are still without injured duo Jake Stockdale and Jordan Staffieri.
Island’s coach Jamie Curtis is asking for one last push from his players. He said: “I am proud of the lads for their efforts this season.
“They are a young squad led around by Sam Jones and Carl McBain and have stuck together through thick and thin, and are ready for one last push to make us safe.”
In the NWML’s First Division, Dalton will be crowned champions if they overcome Burtonwood Bridge at Kelland Park.
Dalton have had a great season with just one defeat so far, and without the services of key players Ryan Baines and Jack Crarey for most of the campaign.
Dan Knott returns from holiday with Dec Gavin unavailable.
Ulverston go to Golborne Parkside with a patched up side on the bus, with late fitness tests on several players, but they do welcome back Dan Horne.
In Division Two, Roose Pioneers are also on the road - they visit Newton Storms in a must-win game if they are to take part in the end of season play-offs.
Unavailable are Ethan Bowness, Mikee Light and Euan James, while out injured are Taylor Roberts and Matty Gedling.
Back to boost the squad are Rickie Donaghue, Rob Shepherd and Tom Farren.
Division champions Hindpool Tigers travel to Wigan Springview to close their season which produced 13 wins from 14 games.
Daryl Archer and Lewis Sayle are unavailable, but a strong 20-man squad will be on duty.
In the Cumberland League’s First Division Askam are home to Distington ‘A’ looking to secure a play-off spot.
Missing are Aaron McIntosh, and Ollie Middleton, but back on board are Joey Blowers, Luke McIntee and Chris Tyson.
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