Match Preview

MILLOM v FURNESS

(Wilson Park, 3pm)

THE Blues of Millom and Furness face each other at Wilson Park, with both coming off the back of fine victories.

Millom won 19-14 at Kendal and Furness put on a great display at home to dispatch top-of-the-table Keswick 23-5 last week.

They stand neck-and-neck in mid-table of the Cumbria League and Millom will be looking to make home advantage count.

They are without the experience of Steve Watson, Trevor Dixon and Chris Parks due to injuries and work commitments, but welcome back Jordan Moyes and Keiron Rogan. Also returning is Callum Lamont, whose strong running will be a bonus.

Young Joe Tomlinson gets his first start after turning 17 recently and partners Ian Cummings in the second row.

Ryan Carter takes the reins at stand-off, with Craig Mounsey feeding him plenty of ball from scrum half.

Ever-present Neil Shaw keeps the full-back jersey and his aggressive game will be required to keep Furness at arm’s length.

The visitors are at full strength and welcome back George Smith.

The team looks to be unchanged otherwise, with the explosive Joe Mallinson and Mike Botes keeping their places in the back row.

A superb performance from Martin Ward may see the Irishman get a starting shirt after scoring a try from 30 metres last weekend.

Cameron McClure’s inclusion last week at hooker was a boost and he will take control of the front three, with Paul Dean and Dillon Tapatu either side.

With Steve Perry and Rhys Studt pulling the strings in the backs and forwards respectively, the Blues are starting to get a real shape about them.