Whitehaven's Recreation Ground is on standby to stage a major National Conference game tonight.

Wath Brow’s clash with Rochdale Mayfield on Saturday was called off because the west Cumbrian’s pitch was waterlogged.

The National Conference League have told the two teams to play tonight – and, if Wath Brow’s pitch isn’t fit, the game will be played at Whitehaven.

Saturday’s postponement had proved somewhat controversial, certainly from Mayfield’s point-of-view.

They had stayed overnight and, even after locally-based Super League referee Gareth Hewer had said the pitch was unfit after an early inspection, they insisted on a second opinion from the match referee.

Wath Brow were stripped and ready an hour before kick-off, with the Mayfield players arriving a little later.

Although it appears both teams were prepared to play, the match referee agreed with Hewer’s early-morning call that the pitch was unsafe because of the conditions underfoot.

The postponement prompted some unsavoury comments on social media, resulting in both clubs being asked not to make any further official comment on the situation.

Suffice to say, the Wath Brow pitch has had little or no rain since Saturday and has been drying out in the wind.

But in view of the bad forecast overnight, through the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia, Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground has been put on stand-by.

The kick-off, at either venue, will be 8pm.

The winners of tonight’s elimination semi-final will go to Thatto Heath on Saturday.

Thatto Heath were beaten 36-22 at Siddal in the qualification semi-final.