TRADITIONAL rivals Barrow Island and Walney Central kick off their seasons with a tasty derby in the Barton-Townley Cup tomorrow.

The sides meet at Rating Lane hoping to join Millom in the semi-finals, while Dalton host Ossett in Pennine League Division One.

Barrow Island v Walney Central

(Rating Lane, 2.30pm)

BARLA Great Britian amateur internationals Perry Singleton and Ben Garner miss the start of the 2016 campaign as Island take on Walney in a mouthwatering Barton-Townley Cup first round tie.

Singleton underwent close-season surgery on wrist and thumb injuries and will be out for another few weeks. Garner, meanwhile, has a serious knee problem and it is unknown when he will be able to return.

Steve Clarke, a member of the Island coaching staff, said ahead of the clash of the Cumbria League clubs: “Having these two lads out is a big blow, but we have to push on and we are all looking forward to the game.

“Training has gone well and we are planning on having an excellent season.

“We are looking quite strong for tomorrow and have several young lads who have come through the under-16s and will be pushing for places throughout the season.

“I have the utmost respect for Walney, but we will be concentrating on how we perform, not them – it should be an interesting game.”

Lewis Singleton is also unavailable for Island, while Dan White and Matty Sayle will be back with the side after their rugby union commitments with Hawcoat Park.

“We have built good bridges with Hawcoat with players turning out for both clubs and that is a good relationship,” added Clarke, who himself has played both codes with the respective clubs.

Island will be looking to senior players Andy Cairns and Ian Irvine at half-back to guide them around the park, along with Sam Jones.

In the Cents camp, coach Shaun Morrow is likely to field an under-strength pack of forwards.

Son Danny and Matt Holmes have moved into the paid ranks at Craven Park, joining former Cents player Andy Litherland in the Barrow Raiders squad, while Mark McKinley is awaiting possible surgery on a knee problem.

Adding to Morrow’s woes, Mike Elliott (knee) is ruled out, along with former Barrow forward Adam Nicholson, while Ethan Furness (groin) is rated doubtful.

On the plus-side, former star Stu Tippett returns from Dalton along with ex-Island player Matt Bower, who had a stint at Whitehaven. Connor Pearce should also be in the squad following shoulder surgery.

Morrow said “We have our problems, but you have to get on with it.

“We have won the trophy for the last three years, so Island will be out to put a halt to that. It should be a good game, as they always are when we play each other.”

Last week’s postponed game between Ulverston and Dalton will now go ahead next Saturday, while Askam will take on Roose Pioneers at Fallowfield Park the previous evening.

Dalton v Ossett

(Kelland Park, 2pm)

DALTON are looking for a win as they take on fellow Pennine League Division One strugglers Ossett, with both teams rooted at the foot of the table.

Harri Brown (shoulder) and Allister McEwan (knee) are both ruled out, while Jamie Southward and Jordan Woodend are set to return after rib injuries. Matt Bamber could also be included in the squad.

Dalton assistant coach Owen Richards said: “Lads have put their hands up to play despite carrying niggling injuries, so that is good and this is a must-win game for us.”