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Barrow Raiders sweating on injuries ahead of Northern Rail Cup Final with Widnes Vikings (From Runcorn and Widnes World)
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Barrow Raiders sweating on injuries ahead of Northern Rail Cup Final with Widnes Vikings
10:18am Wednesday 8th July 2009
More Vikings Cup Final news here
BARROW Raiders boss Dave Clark is sweating on the fitness of four key players ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Widnes Vikings.
He will definitely be without two of his most experienced players – stand-off Jamie Rooney, who is cup-tied, and second row Ned Catic, who was banned for two matches on Tuesday for using foul and abusive language to a match official.
Martin Ostler (ankle), Darren Holt (knee), Liam Finch (knee) and Jamie Butler (knee) are all being monitored and will be given late fitness tests to prove their ability to play.
“We’ve got the physio in doing overtime all week,” said Clark, who feels the Cumbrian town has been struck with Cup fever this week.
“The atmosphere around the town and the club is really starting to build up. We had an open training session on Monday night where we invited all the supporters in. That was a fantastic night and has really started to develop the atmosphere ahead of Sunday.
“You would expect the players to lift for a game like this. It’s a one-off game and there are no second chances. The players will be buzzing and it’s massive for the club.
“I think Barrow have only been in seven cup finals during their whole existence and the last one was 26 years ago. That was against Widnes in the Lancashire Cup and we won, so we’re all hoping for the same again this weekend.”
He commented on the bookmakers making Widnes favourites, saying: “Widnes have been playing quite well and they deserve to go in as favourites. It’s a challenge for us as underdogs to go in and give them as good a game as we can.”
Vikings have made it know they are in no doubts that Barrow are favourites after the way they overhauled Widnes 27-6 at Stobarts Stadium Halton two months ago.
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Barrow's Martin Ostler, who faces a fitness test on his ankle before being cleared for Sunday's final
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