Last updated at 11:50, Friday, 17 August 2012

Aspatria are set to sign a South African prop forward for their return to the North Lancs Cumbria League.

The experienced forward, a friend of Aspatria player Walter Cloete, has figured in Regional rugby back home and is looking forward to continuing the links between the Republic and the Black Reds.

Aspatria secretary Barney Clegg said: “The club’s long standing links with South Africa appear to be bearing fruit. We have had a number of players over the years and we are hopeful of welcoming the latest one early in September.

“We don’t expect any problems with the required paperwork and expect to have him registered as soon as he arrives.”

The Black Reds have also signed a former Harbury back-row forward, 22-year-old Chris Phillips who has moved up from Warwickshire with his family.

“He has looked a promising player in training and it certainly boosts our back-row options. It was an area where we struggled last season because of availabilities,” said Clegg.

Jack Robinson (Silloth) and Tony Nicholson (Netherhall) had been unveiled as the club’s first close-season signings and they have now been joined by Phillips and Johnny Taylor, a utility back from Cockermouth.

In addition back rower Sam Lewis, a former member of the Colts squad at Bower Park who took time out of the game, has returned to the fold.

Several of last season’s Colts have now signed senior registrations with the club and more are expected to follow as pre-season training hots up.

The new names so far are Tony Quinn – Utility Back; Guy Reed – Stand Off; Ronnie Morris – Hooker and Ashley Ravell – Prop.

Both Reed and Ravell figured prominently with the Eagles squad last season and additionally gained some experience in N1W. All these young lads are expected to make an impact over the next few seasons.

Wigton are taking on Tynedale at Lowmoor Road on Saturday, with former Aspatria coach Tommy Borthwick in charge of the visitors and preparing to bring a strong XV.

His Tynedale side will include a number of Cumbrians who have moved over to the north east in the last two or three seasons.

The Greens will be fresh from double success last weekend at Gateshead.

First published at 11:29, Friday, 17 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk