BARRY Butterworth is hoping tomorrow will be double delight for Walney Central as the A-team head coach prepares to lead his team into the Cumbria Shield semi-finals.

The second string's clash at home to Broughton Red Rose A is the headline fixture of a rare double-header at Central Park, with the first team hosting Distington in the Cumbria League earlier in the day.

Victory for Cents' A-team would ensure a showdown for the Shield at Craven Park against the winners of tomorrow's other semi between Askam A and Kells A, and Butterworth is eager to seize the chance against an unfamiliar opponent.

“When I coached them two years ago, I felt like we were done a little bit by another amateur team, so for me as a coach it's massive to try to get through to the final,” said Butterworth.

“It's the full county rather than just your local teams. We beat the locals teams to get to where we are and to play against the teams up the coast, who are normally good sides, it's the crème de la crème if you can get it.

“We wouldn't have minded an away trip as an A team because you don't normally do it, but we'll still make a good day of it and have a good time.

“I went to Whitehaven last week to watch Broughton Red Rose versus Kells, just to have a sneaky peek, and I think we could beat them, so hopefully there will be a final coming.”

Butterworth is pleased with the progress the A-team have been making in the Barrow And District League this year, especially as a number of players who have come through the strong Cents youth system have been making an impact.

Tyler Smith, Tom Oakes, Elliott Bibby, Josh Beckman and Bradley Stafford are among those who have thrived after making the step up from junior to open-age rugby, and Butterworth hopes a good crowd will be in attendance tomorrow to see Walney's next generation in action.

“It's up and down, especially with the shift work at BAE, but the young lads who have stepped up from the under-16s last year are doing a good job in the A-team,” said Butterworth.

“Only on Sunday, the under-14s won the semi-final of their county league, so the youth is doing really well – and we've got the under-sevens, eights and 10s as well.

“Fingers crossed it will be decent weather and we can get a decent crowd up there to enjoy two games of good amateur rugby.”

Walney's game against Distington kicks off at 1pm, with the Cumbria Shield semi-final following at 3pm.