By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 11:31, Thursday, 13 December 2012

LEAGUE champs Kells will face a rejuvenated Glasson when they clash in the BARLA Cumbria County Cup final on Saturday (2pm).

Kells A celebrate

Peter Smith’s side hammered the Maryport outfit 48-0 in the Amateur Cup final in July, but Glasson expect to field a stronger side in the showpiece at Cumbria Sports Academy in Whitehaven, which will bring down the curtain on a long season.

“The Amateur Cup final was played during the summer break and half our squad was in Magaluf,” said Glasson’s Chris Fisher.

“We are also playing better now and I think we have a great chance on Saturday. Coming from behind to beat Dalton in the semi-final gave everyone a lift.

“Kells are a good team, take nothing away from them. We are disappointed they are going in the Conference next season as they are a team we like playing. Peter Smith’s a good fella and will be missed as a coach.”

Glasson will field a young side boasting the likes of Nathan Lucock, who played at hooker for English Lions Under-18s last week against the Australian Institute of Sport in Leeds. While they will be skippered by the well-respected Matthew Burns.

“He is enthusiastic and tough and a lot of people look up to him,” added Fisher. “When he goes forward he lifts the team.”

Ex-Workington Town professional Matthew Johnson, now 30, is also set to feature for Glasson after missing their last four appearances in finals, three due to injury, and he was ineligible for the Amateur Cup final.

“One of the reasons the lads wanted to get to the final was for Matt. It’s a big thing for him,” continued Fisher. “I think he feels a bit old training with lads 10 or 12 years younger. But wherever you put him on the team-sheet he does a great job.”

Kells A, pictured, are celebrating after their victory over Flimby in the Dale Campbell-Savours Cup final on Saturday. See page 39 for a full report.

First published at 11:23, Thursday, 13 December 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk