Saturday, 28th February 2009
Carlisle travel to The Dales on Saturday for a re-arranged league game - one that was postponed in January after arriving at the ground!
Despite being rooted to the basement league slot, Ilkley will be no push over, particularly on their own “middin”. Although they have not picked up too many league points, several of their games have been close encounters, and if Carlisle are to get anything from the match, then they will have to up their peformance after the defeat at Penrith last week.
Carlisle make a number of changes, the most notable of which is the introduction of Sedbergh School and England under 18 star, Matt Shields as blind side flanker.
Matt Shields - debut at blind side flanker
Matt Charters, outstanding and man of the match in the last two games moves from the flank to number eight with both Lee Brumpton and Mark Barron injured. Bobby Sherlock completes the back row on the open side.
Aidan Day and Nigel Arismandez make up the second row.
The regular front row is a little uncertain. There is some doubt about the fitness of Tom Graham who injured his sternum at Penrith. He will be subject to a late fitness test, with John Bowman standing by to take over. Otherwise, Bowman will be on the bench. Steve Stamper (skipper) and Martin McGimpsey are the props.
John Bowman - hoping for his senior debut at hooker.
Ben Blain and Glen Weightman are at scrum and fly half respectively.
A bit of a shake up in the backs sees Stephane Helies moving to one wing with Barry Earl on the other. Max Connon keeps the full back berth after replacing Helies in the second half at Penrith.
Ross Olney returns at inside centre to partner ever present Chris Harris who grabbed himself a brace of tries at Winter’s Park last week and was unlucky not to get a hat trick!
Definitely on the bench will be Richard Bearchell (forwards) and George Graham (backs) with Bowman taking the third place if Tom Graham come through the fitness test.
MAN OF THE MATCH
JOINT WINNER S – Bobby Sherlock and Glen Weightman
RUNNER UP - Chris Harris
CRUSADERS
Are due to entertain Penrith at Warwick Road in the Candy League.
HORNETS
Have no match this week (well not in Cumbria) although they are playing in a tournament in Dublin before going on to the international.
