Barrow will be looking to get their disrupted first season in the Gillette National Youth League back on track when they take on Keighley Cougar Cubs in this weekends “Friday night footy” encounter.

Icy weather has claimed a large chunk of fixtures and an unfulfilled game against Leigh East last weekend meant they were again left without a match.

Laiker’s coach Gareth Jones believes that his team are impatient to return to regular rugby saying.

“After having six of our last seven games postponed, we are really excited to be playing Keighley on Friday,” Jones.

“We know Keighley are a very good side and we fully expect a tough test but I think, if we perform as we can, we will more than be a match for them.”

After just losing out to Crusaders Colts at the weekend, Keighley will be keen to get back to winning ways meaning that Barrow will need their in-form second rowers, Karl Horwood and Rob Bower to continue to shine.

The Laikers will go into the game almost at full strength with only Joe Mallinson a doubt due to a thumb problem. The injury will be assessed on Thursday at which stage a decision will be made over whether or not he will be fit to play.

Elsewhere Hemel Stags hope to continue their positive momentum this week as they visit East Leeds.

After an improved improved performance against Sheffield Hillborough Hawks last week, the Stags hope to include a number of new faces in their squad for a game which their team manager Clare Stevens says, "Will probably provide the toughest test so far this season".

In recent fixtures the shallowness of Hemel's squad has meant that not only have players been out of position, but that forwards are having to play the full 70 minutes without the usual breaks; something which the inclusion of new blood should help to address.

Those at the club remain positive however, with manager Clare Stevens continuing, "Whilst we are fully aware that our results have been very disappointing so far, we also feel that beneath the surface things are improving in terms of commitment, attitude and tactical awareness."

The Stags management will no doubt be delighted should this improvement bring their first points of the season back home with them from Yorkshire.


Gillette National Youth League Fixtures
Friday 12 February

Keighley Cougar Cubs v Barrow Laikers
Kick off 8.00pm

Sunday 14 February

East Leeds v Hemel Stags
Gateshead Thunder v West Hull
Leeds Stanningley v Widnes West Bank Bears
Ince Rose Bridge v Leigh East
Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks v Halifax Siddal
West Cumbria v Saddleworth Rangers
Widnes St Maries v Crusaders Colts

All kick offs 1.30pm.