Cumbria trained at Penrith on Monday and have another session at Kendal tomorrow in preparation for the visit of Northumberland to Mint Bridge on Saturday.

They had a squad of 30 players from which they will select but whilst having plenty of forwards are a bit short of backs because of injuries and unavailability.

At the start of the preparations Cumbria were hoping for a strong representation from Kendal, Penrith, Aspatria and Carlisle, but things have changed for one reason or another.

That said players are coming from Hull, Morley and West Park St Helens.

If, as expected, Northumberland draw heavily from Tynedale and Blaydon, then the Cumbrians will face a big step up in the calibre of player they are accustomed to facing. But if they have any ambitions to play at a higher level, games like this give them the chance to test themselves and see at first hand the levels they have to reach.

Not for the first time, Cumbrian Tom Borthwick faces his native county with Northumberland looking for an away win.

The Tynedale coach has the benefit of having 10 players from his promoted club side in the County side and with Blaydon, Morpeth and Darlington Mowden Park also contributing, Borthwick should be dealing from a strong hand.

Nor is enthusiasm for the county side restricted to ‘local’ talent. Launceston’s Hamish Smales has made himself available, as has London Scottish lock Graeme Smith, who comes into the squad with the unavailability of Tim Swinson, who is needed by Newcastle Falcons.

“We have a few injuries and unavailabilities through sevens commitments, but the biggest concern is the loss of kit-man Albert Stevenson, who has broken his hip,” says team manager Willie Allen.

Northumberland (v Cumbria at Kendal, Saturday, May 3, 3pm): from: G Smith (London Scottish), D Whitehead, D Guthrie, J Smithson, P Winter (all Blaydon), C Raynor, R Batty (Darlington Mowden Park), A Rogers, P Cole, J Thornton (all Morpeth), F Shaw (Northern), H Smales (Lauceston), P Mooney (Otley), B Duncan, J Smales, G Beesley, R Beesley, M Young, R Sanson, J Williams, P Southern, R Harden, A Murray, G Rastell, M Fieldhouse (all Tynedale).
 

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