Roper sweats over cup pitch switch to Cumbria
Last updated 10:10, Wednesday, 23 April 2008
JON Roper will discover today if the weather gods have been kind to Seaton and their National Cup clash with Crosfields has been switched to Cumbria.
The match fell victim to heavy rain in Cheshire last week, and a second postponement this weekend will hand home advantage to Seaton, unless Crosfields can find a suitable alternative venue.
“They have a pitch inspection this afternoon,” the coach said. “Every game in this round must be played this weekend.
“If they can’t play it down there, they’ll have to travel to us on Saturday or Sunday.”
Roper is no stranger to the Conference club as he coached their Under-18s in the National League over a decade ago, when he was a Super League centre with Warrington.
Crosfields’ first-team are struggling near the foot of Conference Division Two with only two wins from 12 matches.
“Maybe they are lacking a bit of experience, but they are always full of youth,” he added.
“As far as I’m aware, the same people who were there when I was coaching, are still running the club, and doing it well. They have a good social side.”
Seaton trail league leaders Kells by 10 points with two games in hand, but Roper is in no mood to yet concede the title.
“We have only lost three league games,” he said. “We’ve played Kells and Hensingham twice each, and have only to play Ellenborough once more, while the other top sides have to play each other.”
Ellenborough will also make another attempt to play their round two tie against visitors Hunslet old Boys, which last week was washed out.
The third round draw, due to be made last weekend, was called off as a host of ties had not gone ahead due to the weather.
Two-time winners Wath Brow Hornets are assured of a place in the draw after their superb 20-14 win over Conference Premiers West Hull.
JOHN SMITH’S CUMBERLAND LEAGUE
Division One: Broughton Red Rose v Maryport, Wath Brow v Distington, Hensingham v Great Clifton
Division Two: Seaton A v Kells A, Cockermouth v Wigton, Frizington v Egremont, Maryport A v Salterbeck A
ACE EUROPEINSURANCENATIONAL CUP
Round Two: Ellenborough v Hunslet Old Boys, Crosfields v Seaton
Conference Division One: Waterhead v Wath Brow
SJR Building Contractors Cumberland Cup Round One: Glasson v Lowca
