By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 13:18, Thursday, 19 July 2012

NEW recruit Tom Hemingway will go straight in to Whitehaven’s starting line-up for their clash with Barrow at Craven Park tonight (Thursday).

Tom Hemingway

The Featherstone Rovers half-back, who last Friday joined Haven on loan for the rest of the season, will start at loose-forward (7pm kick-off).

“Playing at 13 will give him a chance to look around and get used to see how we play,” coach Don Gailer said. “He will also have a bit of a free rein to put his brand on it as he sees fit.”

Hemingway is a former Huddersfield player, and Nathan Brown, then Giants coach, recommended him to Gailer.

“I had his profile on my desk for a long time and it was good for someone like Browny to recommend him. When the opportunity came up, we jumped at it,” added Gailer, who is looking for Haven to show their promotion potential against Raiders.

“We’ve played them a couple of times and their structure doesn’t change too much. They are a good side and will be harder to beat coming off a loss than if they had scraped a win.

“Their execution is good, with an attacking brand of football, so our defence has to be able to deal with that. The boys trained hard on Tuesday night and they know what’s in front of them.”

Barrow suffered only their second league defeat of the season on Sunday, going down 28-24 at Doncaster, and they trail leaders Workington Town on points difference, with Haven in fourth.

Prop Anthony Mullally, on loan from Widnes for the rest of the campaign, has probably played his last game for Haven following knee surgery. He had a torn cartilage and also required a clean-out of his knee, sidelining him for four to six weeks.

“He brought some real power and enthusiasm to the pack,” Gailer continued. “It was no coincidence that when he started hitting the line hard, the rest of the forwards picked up. He has a fantastic attitude and we will miss him for the rest of the year.”

Meanwhile, Copeland Council has welcomed news that the Rugby League World Cup will be coming to West Cumbria in 2013, and that the borough will continue to be a host.

The RFL this week announced that two games in the 2013 tournament – Scotland’s Group C clashes with Tonga and Italy – will be held at Workington’s Derwent Park stadium.

The games were originally to be held at the planned Pow Beck Stadium in Whitehaven, but organisers were forced to look for a new venue after doubts arose over whether it would be completed in time for the tournament.

It has been confirmed that the Cumbria Sports Academy at Whitehaven will be the training venue for the Scotland squad.

The Hensingham facility’s role as the training venue was an integral part of Copeland’s initial World Cup bid, and visiting teams are also expected to stay in Copeland during their visit.

Paul Walker, Copeland Council chief executive, said: “We are delighted with this announcement from the RFL which means that West Cumbrian rugby fans will still get to see the sport’s premier tournament in the area.

“We worked hard, both jointly with Allerdale and individually to put together a top class bid to host games, and it is clear that the passion and commitment to hosting a successful tournament shone through to the RFL.“Our desire to host the games and be a part of the tournament was linked to our commitment to promote West Cumbria to a wider audience and to raising the aspirations of our young people through promoting the sport and the stars who play it at the highest level. “We continue to be committed to making this a reality. Being a host area will help us to achieve all of these aims as part of the team that will ensure the tournament is a success.”Copeland Council will be working with the RFL and tournament organisers to arrange a series of activities to promote rugby league through schools and other sessions with young people, with the aim of ensuring the tournament leaves a lasting legacy in West Cumbria.Britain’s Energy Coast has ring-fenced £350,000 to help bring Derwent Park up to World Cup standard, and chairman Brian Wilson said: “It is great news that the Rugby League World Cup will be coming to West Cumbria in 2013 with Derwent Park as the venue. “This provides the whole of West Cumbria with an economic and social opportunity. Now the hard work begins and Britain’s Energy Coast awaits a detailed application for the funding we have ring-fenced for the improvement work needed to bring Derwent Park up to the required standards.”

This week’s Pride of Five £100 winners are: Mrs Cottier, Hilltop Road, Kells, with ticket number 394; DH Simpson, Church Street, Whitehaven, 735; I Lowery, Rutland Avenue, Whitehaven, 1,931; M Calvin, Rannerdale Drive, Whitehaven, 2,340; M Mackie, Main Street, Egremont, 948.

Last week’s winners were: T Todhunter, St Bees, 53; K Blakeley, Mirehouse, 3,947; M O’Neill, Cleator Moor, 1,805; J Pearson, Greenbank, 1,006; and D Graham, Mirehouse, 1,268.

First published at 11:12, Thursday, 19 July 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk