Keswick suffered their first defeat of the season in North Lancs Cumbria when they went down 27-18 at home to Alwinians.

Richard Metcalf’s men were short of five regulars but they hope to have most back for tomorrow’s trip to Burnley.

Keswick had first and second XV games last Saturday which left them short of experienced players to fill both teams.

In the end they were able to provide only 16 for the league game with Aldwinians and exactly 15 for the 2nds game at Wigton which they won 15-10.

It’s been a disappointing start to the season for Aspatria who have only won two out of five games in September.

They had their sights set on promotion after finishing narrowly in third place last season.

Early season injuries and other absentees have disrupted the challenge but they should be getting a more settled line-up in the coming weeks.

It’s an early make-or-break fixture tomorrow when they travel to Oldham who are only a point behind them.

Wigton are a point and a place above Aspatria and tomorrow they travel to Droylsden to take on an Aldwinians side cock-a-hoop after ending Keswick’s unbeaten run.

St Benedict’s produced the shock result of the weekend – and aim to keep moving up the North One West table.

A thrilling last-gasp 20-19 home win over joint leaders Wilmslow moved them off the foot of the table.

Not only was it their first win in five games, it was also their first points of the season following a series of heavy defeats.

Coach Ian McQuire said: “We have been saying all along that once we got injured players back we would be competitive again – and that’s how it worked out.

“Although we were 19-3 behind at one stage that didn’t reflect the game. We had plenty of possession but they were good at capitalising on our mistakes.

“It was touch and go but we scored the winning try in the 85th minute from the last play of the game.”

Benny’s, who have had a massive injury list for the best part of 12 months, welcomed back a host of first-team regulars who made a difference.

Michael Ramsden, playing his first game at prop for almost 18 months, was awesome while there were big displays from the returning Steve Nelson, Stuart Wilson, Gavin Maudling and Kristian Wood.

Jamie Doran, the Workington Town rugby league half-back, has also re-joined and had a very influential game in the centre.

And there could be a New Zealand influence shortly as two Kiwis are set to join the club for the next six months.

“Two lads contacted us and said they were coming over on a working holiday. They have obtained jobs locally on farms and have asked to play for us while they are here.

“We don’t know what standard they are accustomed to but we are looking forward to welcoming them into the club,” said McQuire.

Tomorrow Saints break new ground when they entertain newly-promoted Douglas from the Isle of Man.

They have won two of their five games so far and on Saturday lost 27-16 at home to Burnage.

In the Cumbria League tomorrow second-placed Furness entertain Whitehaven who are third.

Both clubs are level on points with Upper Eden, but the Kirkby Stephen side have played a game less.

Upper Eden entertain Carlisle Crusaders while the best game in the north of the county sees Silloth entertain Egremont.

Workington, buoyant after a first win at home to Windermere, travel to Millom.

In the other game Cockermouth will hope to get off the mark at home to Windermere.