Tough draws for Elbra and Kells in National Cup
Last updated 12:35, Tuesday, 02 December 2008
Cumberland League champs Ellenborough and major rivals Kells have secured tough home draws against Conference Division One opposition in the National Cup second round.
Kells face Widnes St Maries, third in the table, while Ellenborough take on Castleford Panthers, in fifth, on Saturday week.
“It’s a good draw for us,” said Ellenborough chairman Wilson Smith. “We had two good wins against teams from that league last year. No Conference side likes coming to Ellenborough. I fancy us and Kells to both go through.”
A weakened Ellenborough earned their second round slot with a 26-12 home win over Batley Boys on Saturday after being held 8-8 at the break.
“We had chances to win by more points, but there had been a heavy frost which made the ball very greasy, and we blew some chances,” Smith added.
Wath Brow, last season’s beaten finalists, travel to Hunslet Warriors, unbeaten in the Yorkshire League’s Premier Division after three matches, and Distington make the trip to Wigan St Cuthbert’s.
Hensingham host Upton, also from Yorkshire, who have collected seven points from as many matches, and Salterbeck Storm entertain Conference Division Two Ovenden.
If Broughton Red Rose overcome Golborne Parkside on Saturday, they entertain Oulton Raiders, while West Leeds visit Great Clifton.
And Cockermouth have a strong incentive to beat Middleton in a rearranged first round clash – a home tie with Thatto Heath. Egremont have also secured a home match, against Stanley Rangers, who held them to 12-all at Gillfoot Park at the weekend.
Cumberland Division Two pacesetters Lowca face a tough task at West Bowling, mid-table in the Conference First Division.
