Roose Pioneers break new ground when they play their North West Men’s League game with Culcheth Eagles at Craven Park tomorrow.
And it’s back to their old stomping ground for joint coaches Mike Backhouse and Chris Larkin, who both graced the turf there in a Barrow shirt.
Both are expected to play in this Division Three clash and it is a quick return to the same venue for the Eagles who recently lost a Trophy tie with Hindpool at the home of Barrow Raiders.
Backhouse said ahead of the clash of two teams that are working hard to get away from the relegation zone: ”It was nice of Barrow to loan us Craven Park - it is a wide pitch and we aim to take full advantage and let our backs do the work.
“Culcheth are not a big side but a mobile one so we aim to stretch them across the park. We could do with a win to get us away from the bottom area and it is the same for the Eagles.”
Back in contention are Dan White, Ronnie Neale, Mal Kenny, Matt Phillips and Don Coulson.
Walney Central have fingers crossed that Mayfield A visit Central Drive, but are not hopeful.
If the game goes ahead, George Nicholls will return but ruled out are Dec Gavin with a broken hand and Dale Waite, who is nursing a foot injury.
The Cents need points to help them climb the ladder in a tough Premier Division while Mayfield are rooted at the foot of the table.
In Division One, Ulverston are home to Widnes Tigers with Eric Hill ruled out with a broken thumb. Steve O’Connor is expected to be back after an ankle injury, but with it being Kendal Calling weekend some players are unavailable.
Coach Dennis Porter is looking for another home victory following the 24-17 win over Folly Lane last week.
He said: “We have a definite 13 and will look to put the bench together after training. Lads are out due to it being festival and holiday time but we will get 17 players. It was nice to get the points last week and we aim to build upon that result.”
Hindpool Tigers will look to put last week’s disappointing 50-12 defeat at the hands of Chorley Panthers behind them when they entertain Leigh Miners A.
In the National Conference League, Askam are at home to Hull Dockers where a win would lift the off the bottom of Division Two.
Owen Bridle, Joe Satterthwaite,Todd Steel and Dave Finlayson are unavailable, but on the plus side Tom Hopkins, Grady Slater, Jack Cairns and Kyle Jefferson return.
Stand-in coach Tammy Tyson said: “We have a lot of work to do in avoiding the drop but we keep fighting.
“We’re disappointed to have lost so heavily to St Judes last week. It was the same the previous game where our second half fell apart.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here