BARROW Island can strengthen their hold on second position in the Cumbria League at Wath Brow with a victory tomorrow.

Their cause was helped when Ulverston defeated closest rivals Walney Central 22-20 at Dragley Beck on Wednesday (see below).

Roose Pioneers aim to reverse last week's Cumbria League defeat against Hensingham in a quick return match when the West Cumbrians make their first visit to Redwaters.

In the National Conference League, Askam continue their push for second spot in Division Two at Wigan St Judes, while in Division One Millom host the visit of mid-table Oulton Rangers.

ROOSE PIONEERS v HENSINGHAM

(Redwaters, 2.30pm)

PIONEERS take on the West Cumbrians looking to reverse last Saturday's 32-30 scoreline, when a last-minute penalty denied them a share of the spoils.

If all goes to plan, Hensingham, on their first visit to Redwaters, will return home empty-handed.

Pioneers coach Steve Neale is confident his side can register only their second win of the season after some improved performances of late.

He said: “We were very disappointed to lose last week, especially in the last minute. We played very well and didn't deserve to lose to that late goal. The lads will go into the game with confidence and I fancy our chances.

“We have put in some very good performances in recent games despite losing them, but I feel with quite a strong side out we will get that win tomorrow.”

Neale's squad is looking good, with the returns of Martin Ward, Craig Deakin, Ade White, Joe Mallinson and Dylan Taputu. Dan Sharp, Shaun Mason and Scott Lancaster are unavailable.

WATH BROW HORNETS A v BARROW ISLAND

ISLAND go up the coast to take on a Brow side competing for a top-four Cumbria League place.

The Brow have been in good form this season, despite a weakened side losing at Walney last week, and Island will have to be at their best if they are to bring the points home.

Island coach Joe Elliott is aware of the task ahead, and said: “We were up the coast last week beating Ellenborough (14-12), where we put on a gritty performance, and we know we will have to do it all again.

“Wath Brow are going well and it won't be an easy game, but the lads are playing with confidence.

“Last week we fielded young lads Aide Wright and Dec Rogers, who went well, and a 17-year-old non-playing sub Joe Rea, all lads for the future.”

Matt Parkinson, Lewis Singleton and Gareth Shaw miss out, but on the plus-side Andy Cairns, Dan White and Richard Chatfield return.

WIGAN ST JUDES v ASKAM

ASKAM'S push for second place in National Conference Division Two continues with a visit to St Judes, who were 24-22 home losers to Blackbrook last week.

Mark Tyson is set to return following an eight-week lay off with a broken arm, but both Joe Dowsett and Dan Sayle are unavailable, while Jamie Butler (knee) and brother Tom (calf strain) face races against time to be fit.

Askam coach Mike Wilson said: “Judes are always a good side and we have had some close games with them over the years, so we know what we are up against.

“We had a good win over Salford last week, built up a good lead, but went off the boil for a while. We can't do that this week.

“If our pack gets on top then I feel we can win this one.”

MILLOM v OULTON RANGERS

(Devonshire Road, 2.30pm)

THE Woollybacks, struggling to get out of the bottom two in National Conference Division One, take on mid-table Oulton.

Millom welcome back Ross Brookes, Marcus O'Brien, Lee Postlethwaite, Adam Kelly, Jonathan Hodgson and Gareth Heasley, with Rickie Donaghue, who has a hand injury, rated 50/50.

Unavailable is Dane Kelly, who could be ruled out for several weeks with a knee ligaments injury.

Despite losing 62-0 at Underbank, Millom coach Tom Sibley was not too disheartened.

He said: “At times we played good rugby but we ran out of steam with only two subs to call on. We will look to compete tomorrow and with experienced lads back I feel we can do it.”

Cumbria are looking for an under-19s coach in the Barrow and District area ahead of their match against Scotland at Maryport on September 8.

Before the match they are hoping to take in a couple of training sessions and have a trial game at Millom. Cumbria will also be in action at Craven Park, Barrow, in November.

Anyone interested should contact Jeff Coward on 01229 466541.