amateur rl By Martin Morgan

Last updated 11:45, Saturday, 08 November 2008

kells boss Peter Smith has slammed the decision to play amateur RL’s showpiece Cumbria Cup final on Saturday, December 27 – and warned he will not tell his players to cut out a traditional Boxing Day tipple in preparation for the clash with Ellenborough.

Peter Smith

The highly-anticipated final between the Cumberland League’s top two teams will be a repeat of last season’s big game, when a four-figure crowd saw the Maryport outfit edge out Kells in a classic encounter at Workington Town’s Derwent Park.

Smith said Kells preferred to play on the weekend before Christmas, while Sunday, December 28, would also be acceptable.

“Why can’t we come to some arrangement to play on the Sunday?” he added. “We will turn up, but I’m not too happy about playing on the Saturday.

“The lads will enjoy the Christmas festivities, and I won’t tell them that they can’t. Boxing Day is the biggest day of the year. It’s up to the powers-that-be to have a look at it.”

The final is traditionally played in the week between Christmas and New Year. Last season’s 11-try thriller was held on Saturday, December 29.

Cumbria County secretary Joan Blair said: “Kells were aware of the date for the final at the start of the season. Had they any objection, they should not have entered the cup.

“This is Ellenborough’s ‘home’ game and it’s fine for them. Derwent Park is unavailable on Sunday, December 28, and we are all back to work on the Monday. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Cup finals are also being played on the 27th.

“The winners go through to the Challenge Cup, it’s a prestigious game.”