Cup-tie mission for local sides

RUGBY LEAGUE: ROUND three of the BARLA National Cup takes centre stage tomorrow.

Saddleworth Rangers face a tough task at home to National Conference League Premier Division rivals Siddal, while Oldham St Anne’s play host to Wigan St Maries.

St Maries were in the same NCL Division One as St Anne’s, but quit the competition early in the New Year over an issue regarding an ineligible player.

However, the club still field a team in the North-West Counties League, and they are seeking a place in round four.

St Anne’s coach Mick Cashin is facing a selection poser after an emphatic 54-16 defeat of Millom.

Second-row men Dominic Igoe and Danny Crimes are back in contention, so too prop John Fox, but centre Dave Harris is out because of work commitments.

Igoe is fit again, having spent a couple of weeks in the ‘A’ team after recovering from a knee injury.

Saddleworth Rangers are also on a high for the visit of Siddal.

A vital 18-14 win over Wigan St Patrick’s last Saturday eased relegation fears, but tomorrow’s opposition will provide a much sterner test for Keith Brenann’s men.

Siddal are going great guns in the Premier Division. Fourth in the table, the Halifax-based outfit also fancy their chances of a good run in the National Cup.

Meanwhile, Waterhead visit struggling West Bowling in the search of back-to-back wins in NCL Division Two tomorrow.

A 34-18 victory over Heworth last weekend lifted Garry Highton’s side off the bottom of the table.

Although delighted with the result, the Peach Road coach was disappointed his players took their foot off the gas late on.