By Julie Morgan

Published at 11:10, Thursday, 26 April 2012

THE survival of Frizington Amateur Rugby League club is on the line due to dwindling player numbers.

Chairman John Cass fears the club may have to cancel its remaining fixtures and it is “50/50’’ whether it can carry on following their 70-8 drubbing against Aspatria last Saturday.

Now, a rallying cry is being made for more players and anyone willing to assist at the Cumberland League Division Two club.

“No-one wants to pack in and leave, but we are just not strong enough.’’ John said. “At the start of the season we were filled with hope and ambition, but after Saturday’s match we came to a crisis point.’’

The team is struggling with injuries; Russell Hanlon and Callan McGrady both have broken collarbones, which has seen the team compete with only 10 players.

John said Frizington has a “strong spine’’, including Sean Dixon, Kyle Farrell, Paul Bradley, Ryan and Lewis Tinkler, but they “can only be heroes for so long before becoming martyrs.’’

“We need, at a minimum, three extra players. With six or seven, that would be heaven,’’ John said.

Impetus was lost, he believes, during the previous short season. “It was brilliant before then. I think we were knocked.’’

A meeting is being held tomorrow (Friday) at the Frizington White Star Club at 7pm for anyone who feels they can contribute to the club.

They can also contact John on 07754338978.

“We need to know if we are at a crossroads or a cul-de-sac,’’ he said. “We don’t want to give up, we love the club. It is a bigger challenge at Frizington, but it can be done.’’

John, who first established the club over 30 years ago, extended thanks to Moresby Rugby Union, Lowca and Wath Brow clubs for allowing Frizington the use of their pitches and for the sponsorship support in the village.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk