Rugby Union By John Walsh

Last updated 14:55, Friday, 28 March 2008

Three cracking ties go ahead on Saturday in the quarter-finals of the Story Cumbria Cup.

Kirkby Lonsdale booked their place last weekend with a last-gasp 13-10 home win over Wigton. The remaining three matches make up an attractive Easter package with ties at Aspatria, Workington and St. Benedict’s.

There’s a feeling that the match at Bower Park could be the closest as Aspatria take-on North Two East rivals Carlisle.

Aspatria have done a league double over the city side, and didn’t concede a point, but with ex-Black Reds centre Liam Nicholls now directing coaching operations at Warwick Road he’s sure to expect a better effort from his new charges.

The Black Reds are left to concentrate on the Cup after slipping out of promotion contention in the League but Carlisle won’t want too many distractions from the main priority – retaining their League status.

Nicholls might even include himself on the bench this week against his old team after watching briefs in his first two games in charge which resulted in a home win and away defeat.

Martin Plummer is unavailable to County Under-20’s player James Clark comes in at centre while Glen Weightman takes over from the injured Ben Rimene at fly-half.

Tim Hughes steps up from the bench to play scrum-half in place of Ben Blain.

In the pack Martin Allen returns from injury at flanker and as a result Joe Graham moves to number eight for the absent Lee Brumpton.

Martin Grealish is unavailable in the second row so Gareth Lewis will play.

Aspatria should be picking from strength and the only doubt surrounded youngster Dan Grayson who damaged a knee playing for the Newcastle Academy two weeks ago.

At the Ellis Sports Ground Workington will test themselves against the holders Kendal, who next season will be three Leagues higher than the Zebras.

It’s a stiff test for the west Cumbrians against a side who have won every North One game this season and will be crowned champions with one more win next week-end.

At St. Benedict’s there’s a clash between two sides fighting hard to avoid relegation – but two Leagues apart.

Penrith are in danger of dropping from North One into North Two East while home side St. Benedict’s are struggling to stay in North Lancs Cumbria. Benny’s stalwart Ian McQuire says: “We can forget all about our League problems and enjoy the Cup-tie. I think our Mirehouse pitch might be a big leveller and you never know what might happen.”

Unfortunately Benny’s are not likely to be at full-strength as they suffered a number of injuries in last week’s home defeat by Oldham.

Penrith’s rugby development manager Nigel Beaty says: “We are looking forward to it, especially ex-St Benedict’s play-maker Steve Wood who returns to his home club.”

Paul Newton continues at scrum half with Wood at fly half as Ed Swale has been suspended by the club following his sending off at Kendal.

Martin Armstrong is on holiday so Gavin Young moves into the centre with Dan White back from college at full back. Darren Richardson returns from injury in the centre.

In the pack Guy Simpson starts for the unavailable Bob Wilson at prop and Mike Stephens comes into the back row for the unavailable Mark Bowman.