Round 1 of the competition threw up two very surprising results. Firstly, congratulations to league newcomers Keswick who held De La Salle to a draw. Most league watchers were expecting clear water between the teams given Keswick’s inexperience at this level and the widely held view that DLS will be challenging for promotion.

The second upset was not Bolton beating Trafford but the margin of victory - 70:19. An opening day result such as this says something about one of the sides but with no match reports available it is hard to say which. However, with Bolton travelling to Bower Park today the locals do not have long to wait before they find out.

We will also be watching the result from DLS where Wigton provide the opposition. This should give us some pointers as to whether or not the DLS challenge is faltering and perhaps install Wigton as title favourites in the stead.

HOW WILL TODAY’S GAMES GO
An easier task this week with at least one set of results under the belt.

ALDWINIANS v BURNLEY : Winnies made a slow start to the league campaign going down to newly promoted Tarleton. Aldwinians have a second home fixture against Burnley, another promoted side and they really cannot afford a slip up. Burnley did well to dispatch Hawcoat Park but this is a more serious challenge and a close finish is in prospect that might just be influenced by home advantage.

DLS v WIGTON : Wigton saw off the Black Reds last week with a defensive display that was highly credible. The possession stats were well against them, particularly in the second period when great resolve was shown to see the game home. They will need this spirit again to defy DLS who will be looking to respond to last week’s drawn game at Keswick. I am not sure Wigton can get out of jail in successive weeks.

HAWCOAT PARK v ECCLES : Both teams off to a poor start. Always difficult to know who HP will have available to select from but with local RL nearing the end of the season it will be a widening pool as the weeks go on. Always a difficult place to go and not sure if Eccles will have the required grunt to take much out of the game.

LITTLEBOROUGH v FLEETWOOD : Morale will be sky high at Boro following the opening day win at Eccles. Kippers have never been the best of travellers and this could be another bad day at the office.

OLDHAM v KESWICK : A proper test for Keswick’s appetite for this league. Full marks for holding DLS at home but everyone in this league knows that the away game at Oldham is as tough as it comes. With Oldham expected to go well and challenge in April there won’t be much money going on a Keswick victory.

TARLETON v TRAFFORD : Highly contrasting results for the two teams last Saturday and expect the mood in the respective camps is poles apart. It would take a lot of persuading to get any neutrals to go with a Trafford win.