In National Conference Division Tw,o Askam seek to end the home season on a high, while Dalton open their Pennine League Division One campaign with the visit of Ossett Trinity to Kelland Park.
Walney Central v Barrow Island
(Central Drive, 2pm)
The huge derby play-off at Central Drive promises to be an exciting encounter, with the hosts aiming to reach the last two for the third year on the trot.
But first they have to overcome a determined Island side in their bid to meet Distington or Seaton at a venue still to be decided.
Island will be looking for a second successive victory over the Cents following their demolition job on Shaun Morrow’s boys at Rating Lane in mid-season.
Though the Cents destroyed the Island on home soil, the game could be a close call.
Both are almost at full strength, although Chris Larkin, Dave Warne and Jack Pedley will not be pulling on a Cents shirt as injury rules them out.
Back in the squad are Mike Whitehead and Mark McKinley, while in the Island camp, inspiring forwards Matt Parkinson and Joe Spencely are absentees.
Cents boss Morrow said ahead of what should be a classic game: “Our best win of the season was home to Barrow Island and our worst performance was at their ground.
“They out-enthused us that day, but the lads are itching to play and, though I think it will be a close game, home advantage could see us win.”
Returning to the fold are Matty Elliott and Jordan Staffieri – both back from the Cumbria League’s trip to Serbia.
Staffieri was top try-scorer with five touchdowns, scoring the winner in the second game against a strong and physical Serbia side. Matty Elliott provided the final pass for Staffieri late in the game to seal a 20-12 victory.
Also back from the tour unscathed to join the Island squad are Gareth Shaw, Ian Irvine and Richard Chatfield in a line-up that looks quite strong.
Coach Neil Shaw said: “The lads have worked hard in training this week and are all up for this one. Confidence is good but we will miss Parkinson and Spencely up front. We will have a good team on the park.
“I anticipate it will be close, we have a lot of players with skill. Many of the younger players have developed over the season and are maturing very nicely.
“I missed both games with Walney, but hear that the home win was very good, so it will be a tough game.”
The destination of the Cumbria League title is still undecided following the abandonment of leader’s Distington’s game at Seaton last Saturday when the game was called off after 17 minutes due to a serious leg injury to Seaton player Brett Symes.
The match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, while Distington have been handed a place in the Top Four final after Seaton pulled out of the semi-final due to a lack of players.
The venue will not be known until after Tuesday’s result, when a draw or win will seal the title for Distington. Defeat will see Walney retain the trophy.
Askam v Leigh East
(Fallowfield Park, 2.30pm)
The Villagers’ boss said: “We need to round off with a win. It has been frustrating this season and inconsistent for us, and it will be very difficult to make the top six, which is disappointing. There is no pressure on us tomorrow so we can go out enjoy the game and get a win.”
Missing are Mark Tyson, Gary Bolton, Jack Moses, Darren Gaskell and Gareth Richards, but back in the fold is goal-kicking half-back Adam Jackson.
Dalton v Ossett Trinity
(Kelland Park, 2.30pm)
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