By Martin Morgan

Last updated 11:35, Friday, 09 May 2008

LOWCA contest their first final in almost two decades tonight when they face champs Cockermouth in the Division Two Championship Final at Copeland Stadium (7pm).

“It’s going to be a hell of a game,” predicted Lowca coach Martin Ennis. “They beat us 18-16 away this season, and we won 24-16 at home, so these are two closely-matched teams.

“Whoever makes the fewest mistakes will probably come out on top.

“We had a poor start to the season, and for four or five games had the wrong mind-set. But just before Christmas we made a few new signings and they tightened us up.”

Prop John Hughes (suspended) and second-row Neil Halbert (leg), two early-season arrivals from the defunct Westfield club, miss out tonight.

Cockermouth player-coach Craig Fisher, the ex-Workington Town pro, will not underestimate Lowca, as he recently stated his respect for their improvement this term.

While Lowca are well aware of the potential of opposition centre John Patrick, who notched a hat-trick on his BARLA Great Britain debut last week, in the 52-0 win over the RAF.

“He’s a strong player for them and will have to be watched,” warned Ennis. “And Craig Fisher makes them tick. We’ve done our homework and hopefully it will come good on the night.”

Lowca finished third in Division Two this term and were happy not to be in contention for promotion to the Cumberland League top-flight.

The coach said: “At the start of the season, promotion wasn’t really on our minds. We didn’t want to go up and be cannon fodder.

“We are rebuilding, with the new lads brought in, and to finish third was ideal. It will bring them on confidence-wise for next year.”

Seaton meet Ellenborough for the second time in less than a week tomorrow, this time at Seaton, in an SJR Cumberland Cup semi-final.