Last updated 13:53, Friday, 10 October 2008

Scott Teare is eligible for Wath Brow Hornets for the first time at West Bowling tomorrow – and the bad news for the Bradford outfit is that he has returned from the pro ranks at Whitehaven an even better player.

Rarin’ to go: Scott Teare

The prop, who turned down an offer to stay at Haven, was a Barla Great Britain regular before turning pro, and Hornets’ joint boss Ian Rooney reckons his stint at the Recre has sharpened his game.

“He’s improved greatly, obviously with being in that environment,” Rooney said. “His skill levels have gone up, which is good for us.

“He’s been training with us for quite a while now, but unfortunately had a suspension to complete. He’s now available for selection for both of our teams.”

Andrew Hocking and Kevin Thompson return to action, but Micky McAllister is having a knee clear-out and Dave Currie is on a family holiday.

The Hornets remained top of the National Conference First Division last week, despite not having a game. They follow up tomorrow’s trip to Bradford at Saddleworth and then travel to Oldham St Anne’s, meaning seven of their opening nine fixtures will have been away from home.

“Of our six games so far, four have been away and we have nine points from a possible 12, which is a decent return,” added Rooney. “Every week is a different challenge and all the teams are equally matched.”

Half-back Ryan Robb has established his place in the squad following his switch from Kells, and he featured for Cumbria midweek in their win over the South Africa Rhinos at Barrow.

“He’s settled in to the new environment,” said Rooney. “We probably do things a little differently from Kells, but he seems to be enjoying it.

“He’s a talented lad with a great kicking game, and he’s been a good addition to the squad.”

Egremont Rangers, who host Ovenden tomorrow, have also made an encouraging start to their Conference Division Two campaign.

Their only loss in four matches came in their opener against Stanley Rangers, when without a handful of top performers who had been unaware the season started early and bought tickets for a pop festival.

Coaches Steve Nicholson and Mark Ryan improved the team last term, their first at Gillfoot Park, making light of a huge injury list to finish mid-table, and they are hoping for further progress this year.

At times last season, they travelled with the bare 13 players, but Nicholson reckons 22 or 23 are now up to first-team standard, with a couple of top prospects not being drafted in only because the Conference precludes 16-year-olds.

Egremont dug deep to win at Salford & Eccles, and Nicholson reckons the belief within the squad that they can win on the road is growing.

Former Wath Brow forward Matthew Whalley is going well, as is the experienced John Young, who has returned from Kells.

Prop Richard Farrar has been made skipper and produced some great efforts, while the same could be said for teenage stand-off John Paul Brocklebank and full-back Rhys Davies.

All three escaped unscathed from the county clash at Craven Park and should feature tomorrow.

“We’ll have possibly the strongest squad out we’ve had all year,” said Nicholson. “We are working on a lot of defensive structures and tightening up around the ruck, where teams have possibly been beating us in the past.

“We were joint third in the table before last week, when we had no game. We’ve dropped down a bit but we now have a game in hand.”

In Cumberland League action, the tie of the day is at Hensingham, where the Whitehaven outfit entertain champs Ellenborough.

Cumbria Cup holders Ellenborough host Broughton Red Rose in next week’s semi-finals, while Hensingham make the short trip to Kells.

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES

Cumberland League Division One

Wath Brow v Glasson, Seaton v Broughton Red Rose, Hensingham v Ellenborough, Cockermouth v Distington, Kells v Maryport

Division Two

Frizington v Flimby, Salterbeck A v Salterbeck, Great Clifton v Egremont, Lowca v Seaton A, Maryport A v Lowca A

National Conference Division One

West Bowling v Wath Brow

Division Two

Egremont v Ovenden