Last updated at 20:18, Thursday, 31 May 2012

Promotion-chasing Workington must prepare for an almighty backlash as Rochdale Hornets boss John Stankevitch has challenged his side to continue their Town hoodoo.

The former St Helens forward branded Town’s visit to Spotland as the club’s biggest game in recent history.

Failure to overturn Gary Charlton and Martin Oglanby’s men would almost certainly lead to another season in Championship One for the Hornets, who beat Workington four times last term.

Snarling Stankevitch lambasted his side for losing 32-30 to South Wales two weeks ago, and said: “This is probably one of the most important games in the club’s recent history.

“I want the players to knuckle down and play to full potential.

“Workington have started well and are desperate for promotion and have spent a lot of money.

“We have to roll up our sleeves but our games are fast running out of time. If we lose then the chances of us going up are very slim.”

Depleted Rochdale have won three of their four home games, but will be without Stephen Roper, Tony Stewart and Stephen Bannister, Phil Braddish, Joe Fitzpatrick, Dean Gorton, Dave Newton and Steve McDermott.

Town winger Jonathan Dawes, who signed in the close season from amateur side Maryport, needs a knee operation.

June 18 is the day Dawes will go under the knife and joint coach Gary Charlton told club’s website time was on the 22-year-old’s side.

“I know he is incredibly frustrated not to be playing,” he said.

“It has been equally frustrating for the coaching staff as we were looking forward to developing his skills.

“We’d already seen glimpses of what Jonathan can offer. He has a great attitude and I’m sure he’ll be back in contention soon.”

Marc Shackley is back in training after a hamstring strain and Chris Coward returned to training this week.

l The Cumbria 9s team will play Super League sides St Helens, Warrington Wolves and Salford City Reds at Derwent Park on Tuesday.

Last year, the joint Workington, Barrow and Whitehaven side reached the Headingley final.

Town stars Carl Forber, Stephen Dawes, Richard Farrer, James Robinson and Jack Gaskell are all involved.

Cumbria opened their 9s campaign in fine style with a win over St Helens on Tuesday, and finished runners-up on the night.

Forber scored as Cumbria withstood a Saints fight-back for a 12-8 win.

Hosts Warrington, who beat Cumbria in last year’s final at Headingley, again overcame the county side, 22-8. And in the final game, Cumbria drew 28-all with Salford.

The tournament kicks off with Cumbria v Salford at 7pm. It costs £6 for adults with U16s getting in free with a paying adult.

Cumbria play St Helens at 7.50pm and Warrington at 8.55pm.

First published at 19:22, Thursday, 31 May 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk