Gary Charlton is the last coach to have retained the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy while he was in charge of Workington Town.
Although the last time he had charge of Town in 2014 they lost to their local rivals, and since then the trophy has changed hands in alternative seasons.
But wins in 2011, 2012 and 2013 give him the best record in the memorial game since it was first contested in 2006, and he would like to add to that tomorrow.
Charlton takes his new-look Whitehaven to Derwent Park, ko 3pm, hoping to go against the recent trend and retain the prestigious silverware won last year by Carl Forster’s side at the Recre.
“There’s no such thing as a friendly involving Town and Haven and I know it will be no different tomorrow. It will give the winning team a boost going into a new season.
“I can only speak for Whitehaven but I am really pleased with how the players have prepared for the new season and I’m looking forward to seeing them in action,” said Charlton.
Haven have 22 players signed but a couple will be missing at Derwent Park, while Charlton hopes to be able to take a look at a local trialist as no ceiling has been put on the number of substitutes the sides can use.
Meanwhile Whitehaven announced that record try scorer Craig Calvert will be the next player welcomed into the club’s Hall of Fame on February 15.
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