BARROW Island, Millom and Askam all have National Conference promotion aspirations going into a big weekend.

Island and Askam are at home, while Millom take their quest to climb the ladder on the road.

BARROW ISLAND v BEVERLEY

(Rating Lane, 2.30pm)

THE race is on for second and third place in National Conference Division Three, with Island's visitors Beverley already crowned champions.

The hosts and Millom are both keen to finish second and gain automatic promotion, but they face competition from Crosfields and Clock Face in their quest.

Island are currently on 24 points from 18 games – with four to play – in second place, while Millom are tucked in behind on 22 points from 17 matches.

Finishing second would be perfect for either of the South Cumbrian teams, but a third-placed finish would see them have home advantage in the play-offs semi-finals, and be at home again in the final if they made it through.

Island go into tomorrow's clash with the East Yorkshire giants – once a top Premier Division side – knowing they are yet to taste defeat, though they have been close on two occasions, with two drawn games.

Coach Joe Elliott said ahead of the Rating Lane clash: “We are on course, but we're taking one game at a time - it is all to play for.

“It is very tight at the top, and it would be nice to beat them as we lost over in Hull on the opening day of the season 30-0.”

He added: “For once, we have a strong squad to choose from – only Matt Parkinson and Blain Marwood are unavailable. There will be a few lads disappointed as we choose the final 17.

“It would be nice for both ourselves and Millom to go up and join Askam in Division Two, if they fail to get promoted.”

ASKAM v HUNSLET WARRIORS

(Fallowfield Park, 2.30pm)

ASKAM coach Dave Clark has the task of getting his players back on track as they bid for a National Conference Division Two play-off place.

The Villagers are not having the best of runs of late, and suffered a heavy 56-6 defeat at Hull Dockers last weekend.

Clark said: “Last week was not one of our best performances, but I take into account the four-week lay-off we had beforehand.

“We have to improve if we are to make the top six and get some consistency.”

Zak Steel has been ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury, while Kris Tyson is unavailable tomorrow. Grady Slater is back in contention.

WOOLSTON ROVERS v MILLOM

A WIN on the road is on the agenda for the Woollybacks as they aim for second or third spot National Conference Division Two – behind champions Beverley.

Last week they were not at their best but still had enough in the tank to see off the challenge of Waterhead at Devonshire Road, 32-14.

Player/coach Tom Sibley, who crossed for a rare hat-trick in the victory, said: “We are coming up against a tough, physical side, so we will have to be on form and back up last week's win.

“We must cut down on errors and dig deep. We keep bringing in young lads and they are all doing a good job, so we are all out for a win, but it won't be easy.”

Ricky Donaghue, Ethan Bickerdike and Kyle Evans come into contention for Millom tomorrow, while Dane Kelly is looking to shrug off a slight injury.

Joe Wright and Niall Harris are doubts with injury, along with Tyler Lancaster.