WALNEY Central are just 80 minutes away from a place in the BARLA National Cup final, but standing in their way are Thatto Heath A.

Central Drive is the venue tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm) for this semi-final clash, which doubles up as a league game.

Cents have featured in many a big game over the decades, but never before have they been so close to a national final.

Joint-coach Dave Warne, along with his squad, is excited as the game approaches and the former pack stalwart said: “It is one of the biggest games for some time and we are buzzing within the club.

“We do fancy our chances at home and hopefully we will go through.

“When we entered the competition, we never had any thoughts that we would reach this stage. The lads are raring to go.

“Going into the Premier Division of the North West Mens League has been a big help as the standard is very high and competitive.We are looking for a big support to encourage the lads, but they won’t need motivating – they know we are almost in a final.

"I would like to thank Paul Crarey and his team at Barrow who gave us a good run out last night at Craven Park.”

The Heath are involved in the Challenge Cup tomorrow at home to Betfred League One side North Wales Crusaders, so it will be interesting to see how they will juggle their two teams.

Cents welcome back Stu Tippett, Dave Nicholson, Mike Elliott, Jamie Ralph and Dale Waite, while unavailable are Brad Nichols, Matty Holmes and Jordan Staffieri.

In the NWML Division Three, Roose Pioneers are at Leigh East A with joint Coach Mike Backhouse taking a back seat going onto the bench and playing young Jake Roberston at nine. Cory Ells is expected to have recovered from injury to make his seasonal debut. Ruled out are 'Twiggy' Larkin, Ade and Dan White, while Saul Doughty retains his place in the squad.

Ulverston go to Widnes Tigers in Division One and, with Mike Reekes taking several lads away on his stag night, several changes are enforced.

Hindpool Tigers are also on the road in Division Two and they go to Leigh Miners A. Dale Sneesby, Callum Lamont, John Crawford and Euan Mwhinney are back in the fold, while out are Nathan Sneesby, Josh Crawford, Jordan Mason, Ben Hughes, Jamie Lynne, Tony Rickelton and Brad Wrightwebb.