A GENERALLY quiet weekend for South Cumbrian RL sides still throws up key matches for Askam and Barrow Island.

Both have play-off hopes in the National Conference, and know wins over Leigh East and Eastmoor Dragons respectively will boost their cause.

ASKAM v LEIGH EAST

(Fallowfield Park, 2.30pm)

NO game last weekend – due to the rock-hard nature of the Fallowfield Park pitch – gave Askam time to recover from niggling injuries as they prepare their push for a place in the end-of-season National Conference Division Two play-offs.

Their bid for promotion made a good start early in the season, but in recent weeks defeats have come and now it is time to steady the ship and get results, starting tomorrow against Leigh East.

Joe Sattherthwaite has been ruled out for the rest of the season for the Villagers – the talented young half-back has had a MRI scan which revealed he requires surgery on his shoulder.

While one youngster is ruled out, another steps up; Kier Shepherd comes into the squad following a broken thumb, and he is joined by Tom Hopkins, though Joran Jones is also ruled out.

Askam coach Dave Clark said: “We've got two out, two in. We're not going to risk Joe Satterthwaite now until next season.

“Leigh may be bottom of the table, but we will definitely not be taking it easy. We have to start winning if we are to be in the play-offs at the end of the season.

“We need maximum points, not only tomorrow but in the up and coming games.”

Askam are currently sixth on 16 points, four points behind third-placed Crosfields.

EASTMOOR DRAGONS v BARROW ISLAND

BARROW Island look to take last week's good form from their 44-12 victory over Clock Face Miners on the road tomorrow, but they face a difficult game at Eastmoor.

Callum Nelson returns for the National Conference Division Three match, with others to be named. Chris Burns and Jack Sutherland are unavailable having played in last week's win.

Island coach Joe Elliott said: “It won't be easy on their pitch; they are a big side and know how to play. We need a good performance if we are to get anything out of this one”

Island will go with an air of confidence their display against promotion contenders Clock Face last week, having put in a fine all-round team performance.

Eastmoor lost narrowly 24-20 at Oldham St Annes last week, with Danny Johnson scoring all but four of their points with a hat-trick of tries plus four goals.