HIGH riding Hindpool Tigers face local rivals Roose Pioneers at Brisbane Park in Division Two of the North West Men’s League.
The Tigers top the tree with seven wins from seven, while Pioneers are in mid-table with three wins from five outings.
Lee Boyd, Jamie Lynn and Kadir Dere are unavailable for the Tigers, who will field a near full- strength 17.
Coach Kev Kyte said ahead of the game: “We have 27 lads putting their hands up to play Pioneers, so it will be a difficult task leaving players out.
“All players that have played so far this season have been great, and that is why we are top of the table.
“We will be going flat out to make it eight in a row to remain top of the division in what should be a very competitive game.
“In the next week or two we will have a blow out with, Barrow who can have a look at the talent we have in the club, many who I have brought through the ranks at Hindpool.”
Pioneers have no shortage of players who would like to face the Tigers.
Speaking ahead of the game coach Lee Edmondson said: “We have over 20 lads to choose from, so we are in a healthy position.”
Edmondson, however, is missing Tom Farren who goes on tour to Serbia to represent his country.
Also out are Taylor Roberts, Joe Greere and Oli Morgan. On the plus side Mikee Light is hopeful of returning following a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury, while back after his wedding abroad is Rob Shepherd.
Dalton are also league leaders, they top Division One, and face a tough challenge at Kelland Park with second-placed Hindley the visitors.
Dalton are on 19 points with nine wins and a draw, while Hindley are on 17 points with eight wins and a draw.
Pat Kelly and Brad Richards return while ruled out are Dan Knott on England duty and Mike New who sadly broke his leg in two places at Ulverston last week.
The game in which Ulverston were leading 6-0 at the time was abandoned on 35 minutes because of the seriousness of the injury.
Dalton Coach Dave High said: “We can’t praise the medical staff of Ulverston enough, they were brilliant and cared so much for Mike.
“Also a big pat on the back for Referee Dave Clark who did a great job in handling the situation.
“Mike underwent surgery at Furness General Hospital on Monday.”
Ulverston travel to Chorley where Louis Dickinson is set to make his senior debut while Dan Horne returns to the squad which has not been finalised.
In the Conference, Barrow Island are home to Division Two leaders Shaw Cross and go into battle minus Aide Wright, Ollie Holmes and Adam Ford. Nathan Sneesby returns in what could be a relatively young squad.
Millom travel to Thornhill and not on the bus are Lee Postlethwaite, Jackson Evans, Andrew Dawson, Bobby Wright and Josh Blinkhorn who is on duty with the England Lions. Coach Brad Crellin is expected to show faith in several youngsters at the club.
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