rugby union By John Walsh

Last updated 11:33, Friday, 25 April 2008

ASPATRIA will be bidding for their first Cumbria Cup triumph since 1999 when they take on Kendal tomorrow at Penrith’s Winter’s Park.

It’s a stiff test for the Black Reds against a Kendal side who have swept all before them this season, winning the North One title without dropping a point.

The original winners of the competition, back in 1883, Aspatria have also won it more times than any other club and hold the record for most consecutive victories - six.

But that will count for little tomorrow when Kendal put their formidable record on the line of not having been beaten in League or County Cup this season.

Remarkably, though, two of their toughest games were against Cumbrian opposition – beating Penrith in the League and Workington in the quarter-finals of the County Cup with late scores.

Against Penrith they trailed 7-5 with just three minutes left when they scored a converted try and at Workington they scored a converted a try from the last play of the game to win 36-29.

That should give some encouragement to Aspatria who are capable of raising their game, but have also been known to produce several flat performances this season on the big occasion.

President Mel Hanley says: “It’s the usual approach from the under-dog.

“We have nothing to lose against a team who have won every match, and should be determined to give our best and enjoy the day.”

Aspatria are waiting for fitness checks on three players who all missed last week’s final League game against Durham City.

Centres Stephen Davidson and Lee Askew were both unable to train on Tuesday but half-back Jason Spires did some light work.

The one definite absentee is winger Kenneth Bowes who has joined the fire service and has a course to attend.

Kendal won’t be at full-strength - the talented Ladell brothers John and Luke are missing, while the two Kiwis Hoani Moore and Mick McKain have returned home.

Netherhall have their own Cup final tomorrow as they entertain Burnley in the game to find out who is promoted to the North Lancs Cumbria League.

The Maryport side finished runners-up to Keswick in the Cumbria League with only three defeats in 23 matches - two of them against the champions.

Burnley finished runners-up to Heaton Moor in North Lancs One with four defeats from 22 games. They actually lost their final game last week 15-14 at Birchfield.

Wigton have two games left to play in North Lancs Cumbria but there was confusion as to who they were going to play tomorrow.

The match with St. Benedict’s had been arranged and approved some weeks ago but then Wigton were told by the League they must go to De La Salle.