Rival clubs are set to come together this weekend for a memorial clash in honour of rugby league stalwart Jackie Davidson.

Hensingham ARLFC will host Egremont Rangers on Saturday (1pm kick-off) in the third annual game for the Jackie Davidson Memorial Cup, which is named after the popular former player who coached both clubs, as well as Whitehaven, Workington Town and Cumbria.

The proceeds from the game will be split equally between the youth sections at Hensingham and Egremont.

In his programme notes for Saturday’s game, Hensingham chairman Lenny Lowrey writes: “As you all know JD meant a lot to us here at Hensingham and to the Egremont club, as a player, as coach, committee man and most of all a dear friend.

“He helped steer both clubs through some stormy times and through some good and very successful times.

“With all that said, I’m sure both teams will be out to play their part in his memory.”

Egremont have lifted the cup twice, winning the first two editions, and Hensingham’s rugby league secretary Graham Broatch is expecting a fierce game played in good spirits as his club look to clinch the silverware for the first time.

“I hope so, it was really close last time,” Broatch said.

“It’s a mixture of teams from both clubs so we’ll probably have four 20-minute sessions which is an opportunity for both clubs to give players from their teams minutes.

“It is a lot more than just a game.

“There will be no punches pulled – as with Jackie himself – but both teams play it in the right spirit.

“Last year they raised a good amount of money for both clubs and he’d be so proud of that legacy he’s left because he loved both clubs and spent a lot of his time with them.

“We had a big crowd down at Egremont last year and as far as I’m aware there are no other rugby league games on locally on Saturday at 1pm so we’ll be hoping for another.

“It’s developed a bit of a bond between us and Egremont.”

After the clash there will be live music from Logan Paul Murphy – who is also known as The Beatles Boy – in the clubhouse and people are encouraged to stay after the game.

The game has been sponsored by the Cheese and Pickle Club at Hensingham, the match ball has been backed by Donald Hetherington and the food has been provided by Eric and Peggy Mason.