The first local derby game of the season between Dalton and Ulverston takes place at Kelland Park in Division One of the North West Men’s League tomorrow.

While Dalton were left kicking their heels with their scheduled game at Bury Broncos called off due to a waterlogged pitch, their near neighbours were enjoying a comfortable win over Haresfinch at Dragley Beck.

A close game is anticipated, with Dalton going into action minus two key players who are on Varsity duty. BARLA youth international Elliott Stockdale lines up for Oxford while Jack Gordon takes the field for Cambridge.

However, back in the fold for the Kelland Park side are Euan Jones and Jordan Woodend, while the Crarey boys, Joe and Jack, come in for their first game of the season.

Coach Dave High is looking forward to the clash, saying: “It’s good to be meeting Ulverston, it is some years since we have played them at League level. We were disappointed that the game at Bury was called off, we needed to play.

“We are aware that they have a big set of forwards, they are strong in the middle and we must match them in that department with lads like Tom Speeding and Matty Storey.

“But it’s nice to be at home and hopefully it will be a dry pitch and we can play open rugby. With Stockdale unavailable, we will move Sam Purslow to full back.

“It will all come down to which side is the most disciplined and show more composure.”

Missing out are the Park brothers, Nathan and Lee, along with long-term absentee Harri Brown, but otherwise it will be a similar squad that sent Millom packing in the Barton Townley Cup first round tie.

Ulverston boss Dennis Porter, like his counterpart, is looking forward to the clash along with his players.

Porter said: “We had a good win over Haresfinch (40-20), it was a good run-out and the lads are really up for this one. They all know each other and how they play, so it should be a close contest.

“Dalton are not the biggest side, but they play good open rugby so we will have to combat that department. We are good to go but will have to concentrate throughout, if you switch off for five seconds you can be punished.”

Matty Storey led from the front last week, bagging a brace of tries, and into the squad comes Eric Hill, a straight swap for Ryan John who is unavailable.