Last updated at 11:57, Monday, 21 January 2013

Whitehaven are counting their blessings that the club’s final pre-season outing is in warmer climes on Friday night after yesterday’s trip to Barrow Raiders fell victim to icy weather.

Jessie Joe Parker

The Cumbrians fly to France on Thursday for a clash with Carcassonne that is expected to edge them closer to readiness for their league opener against York in a fortnight.

“The weather forecast over here is pretty bad for this week, so we are thankful we have arranged the game in France,” said chief executive Barry Richardson.

“It is good the way it has worked out. Barrow would have been a good lead in to the Carcassonne game, and another step up after we played Gateshead last week.

“Carcassonne won the French league and cup last year and are a really good side. They made an indifferent start to this season but are running in to form and have won their last five or six games.

“It’s not the result that matters for us. It’s an opportunity to have a good workout before York.

“The players will be away together for four days and it will also be good for team building.”

The full squad of 23, including James Newton and Jessie Joe Parker, the only two players to miss the Gateshead clash, will make the trip. They fly from Liverpool on Thursday morning and have arranged a training session in France later that day.

First published at 11:46, Monday, 21 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk