Five teams head Cumbria charge
Last updated 11:25, Friday, 21 November 2008
IN a vastly reduced programme tomorrow national knockout action takes centre stage – but only five of the ties involve Cumbrian clubs.
There are also four re-arranged Cumbria League games on what will be the quietest Saturday so far.
But it’s certainly not quiet at Wigton where they will be the only club in the country with two teams still involved in national knockout action.
Two buses set-off from Lowmoor Road tomorrow at 9-30am bound for Heaton Moor in Stockport and Hoylake.
Wigton’s first team take on fellow North Lancs Cumbria League rivals Heaton Moor while their second XV, the Wanderers take on a Hoylake side one level above them in the League set-up.
It’s a sign of the rapid progress being made at the club that they are taking two full squads away for the games in the EDF Energy Senior Vase – and leaving spare players at home.
Three years ago Wigton weren’t even able to put out a second team on a regular basis.
Head coach Malcolm Brown insists both teams are going to their respective destinations looking to make further progress.
“The first XV gave an excellent performance against League leaders Vale of Lune last Saturday and we are in very good heart.
“The seconds lost at Cockermouth but have been strengthened for their trip to Hoylake and if they can make a good start are capable of providing a shock,” says Brown.
Tane Manihera (knee) and Steve Carruthers (shoulder) will face late fitness tests but are expected to be ready while Dave Hanabury has recovered from the flu which kept him out against the Vale of Lune.
Lance Hetherington, stand-out player from the Wanderers, is promoted to the first team squad.
Mark Thompson joins the Wanderers squad, along with Stuart Creighton, two players who have impressed with the first team this season. Ashley Gosling is the one concern after picking-up a dead leg at Cockermouth last week.
“We had 30 senior players training this week and another 32 Colts so it’s a healthy state to be in. We have another local based player with experienced at a decent level who wants to join us and I’ll be talking to him next week.
“There’s plenty of interest around the town, too and supporters will be joining the players to fill the buses for the Vase trips,” said Brown.
Heaton Moor and Wigton look well-matched for their clash at Green Lane lying fifth and sixth respectively in
North Lancs Cumbria with the Stockport side having fractionally a better points differential. Brown said: “They apparently play an open game which is reflected in the fact that they score a lot of points but also conceded a good few.”
Penrith entertain Rochdale in the EDF Intermediate Cup and will make a late selection but key forward Mike Raine looks doubtful with a torn bicep. Winger Kris Bratten is in contention after being unavailable last week but stand in winger Ben Western didn't put a foot out of place.
It’s an interesting Cup clash as Rochdale (who beat Carlisle in the last round) lead North Two West with the same record as Penrith (won seven, lost two).
Kendal travel to Morpeth on the EDF National Trophy while Kirkby Lonsdale are sat home to Eccles in the Senior Vase.
Otherwise it’s all Cumbria League for the stay at home with Cockermouth travelling to Creighton; Netherhall hosting Aspatria Eagles and Workington Steelers entertaining Moresby.
But not much doubt about the match of the day that’s revitalised Egremont at home to St, Benedict’s, determined to win promotion after last season’s relegation.
Cumbria Under-18’s hope to have a full strength team this weekend for the game against Durham at Ripon.
In from the start will be Peter White, scrum half from Sedbergh School and the coaches are looking for him to continue in the same vein as he did when he came on against Lancashire - full of zest, fire, direction and leadership.
Tom Hicks is back after a break with instructions to provide the backs with a bit more ball. Grant Connon, in a new combination with White could be very interesting, as both players have a flair for an open fast game around the fringes.
Richard Ridley, a Tynedale player returns after a long absence through injury. He came through a full game last weekend and can add something at the breakdown.
Cumbria have four or five players who have a chance of making it into the North of England trials in December. They will be hoping to impress the selectors in this final game.
