Last updated at 11:48, Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Cumberland League Lowca have warned that players MUST turn up for a signing-on session tomorrow – or the club will fold.

News that officials had informed the league last week that the club was being shelved due to a player shortage prompted a move from members of a Whitehaven RU club. And interest will be gauged at the signing session at Lowca RL Club at 7pm.

“If we can get 17 to 20 signed on, we will definitely have a go next season,” said secretary Dave Colley. “After we called it a day and informed the league, an ex-player got in touch to say 10 players from St Benedict’s were interested in coming up to play, so we’ve had a stay of execution. We are asking everyone who is interested to sign.”

Lowca, coached by ex-Workington Town half-back Lee Allen, started well last season, before injuries took their toll, though they rallied late in the campaign.

“We thought we would kick on, but it hasn’t turned out like that,” added Colley. “We had a players’ meeting around a month ago and we had about 20 there, who all said they would play this season.

“Numbers were good, but then it died off. We had 10 at our last two training sessions, and after texting and rallying folk, there was no interest.”

League secretary Paul Williamson is keeping fingers crossed that enough players answer the club’s late, final call.

“Obviously we don’t want to lose them,” he said. “Hopefully everybody will rally round and give these lads some support.”

First published at 11:44, Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk