By John Walsh

Last updated 11:34, Friday, 09 May 2008

ASPATRIA player coach Mike Scott will miss Cumbria’s opening County Shield game tomorrow at Kendal.

Fly-half Scott has had laser surgery on his eyes and won’t be ready to play against Northumberland but could be available for the remaining two games.

Team manager Mark Richardson said: “We hope that Mike will be able to resume next week and also for the final game.”

Cumbria start their programme at Mint Bridge against a Northumberland side in the hands of their former coach Tommy Borthwick.

He has just completed a highly successful season by leading Tynedale to promotion.

This is Cumbria’s only home game in the Shield competition as they face both North Midlands and Durham away.

Richardson said: “We thought there might be a few more players making themselves available from Kendal but that hasn’t happened for one reason or another.

“It means we are a little short of backs but look strong in the forwards.

Conditions were awful at training on Wednesday but the lads knitted together very well and there is a good spirit in the camp.

“We are looking for a very positive performance from the squad although we expect it to be our toughest game, even though we are at home.”

The line-up will be: Sean Hannah (Hull), Lewis Boyd (Fylde), Heinrich Jonker (Aspatria), Martin Armstrong (Penrith), Lee Askew (Aspatria), Paul Newton (Penrith), James Gough (Kendal), Billy Coxon (Kendal), Alan Holmes (Fylde), Andrew Irving (Fylde), Rob Dawson (Penrith), Gareth Gore (Kendal), Dan Bowman (Fylde, capt), Stephen Hewitson (Morley), Gary Hodgson (Aspatria).

Replacement from: Ben Lanighan (Workington), Joe Graham (Carlisle), Steve Stamper (Carlisle), Dave Preston (Penrith), Craig Smithson (West Park St Helens), Steffan Helies (Carlisle), Chris Park (Kendal).