RUGBY UNION
FOLLOWING the washout against St Benedict’s last week, Furness face another Cumbrian challenge tomorrow as Netherhall come to the Strawberry Grounds (2.30pm kick-off).
Despite Netherhall being winless in the North Lancs Cumbria League, Furness coach Darren Holt will need the same commitment that has seen the side’s form take a turn for the better of late.
The hard-working coach will urge the Blues to show their ruthless side against a team, next-to-bottom of the league, but made of stern stuff.
Furness captain Mike Botes will again lead from the front, ably supported by Andries Venter, Alan Gwynne, Leon Sweet, Phil Brockbank and Joe Mallinson.
The powerful force of Corney Els and Rich Nolan will add formidable horsepower to the engine-room for Furness and scrum-half Richard Smith will expect plenty of possession.
Holt will have Nick Beach as full-back, while Rob Brownlee undergoes a late fitness test and Matty Studt is unavailable. The coach will select from the likes of Andrew Brannon, Joel Thomas and Phil Hayward following a final training session.
Chris Dalton returns in the first team squad,the ex-Furness captain a more-than-useful replacement to have warming the bench.
Furness have proved that they can hold their own with the best in this league, but know if they are not on top of their game they are in danger of being rolled over.
Conditions will be tricky and the home side will look to reduce errors to a minimum, maintain their discipline and continue to play open, exiting, rugby.
Furness seconds hit the road to Thornton Cleveleys seconds. Buoyed by a fine win over top-of-the-table Tarleton, Furness will be confident they can return with the points.
The presence of experience is paying huge dividends for Furness, with George Cubiss and Peter Helme two good examples, while youngsters like Sean Dalton are coming on in leaps and bounds.
More experience lies in the wings this week with the possible return of stalwarts Karl Benn and Simon Luscombe to bolster the travelling squad.
If Furness continue to play the type of rugby that they are capable of, they can be rewarded with the points. However, like the senior side, it will require a full-on, all-round effort.
Furness Colts continue to play their brand of exciting and entertaining rugby in the Raging Bull Colts league.
On Sunday, they will concentrate their efforts on another home game again when they welcome Oldham.
The reverse fixture earlier in the season finished evens at 10-apiece.
Furness will welcome back their captain Rhys Studt and will hope to bag all the points in what is expected to be a tough game, where discipline will be the key to victory. Kick-off is 12.30pm.
l As usual at this time of the season, the Furness Old Farts will gather for an afternoon at the Strawberry Grounds. The club are thankful to them for their match sponsorship for the first team game.