It's sad when those who have had nowt, done nowt, and never will do 'owt' actually gloat at the, (occasional), downfall of a vastly superior entity. You do not need to be Clouseau to gather I'm being acerbic toward our neighbours down the road (yet again). Not that I really choose to become embroiled in local warfare - at present - because the recent 31-10 said enough for all Townies, certainly adequate to fulfil local pride - for now.

However residing in this Whitehaven catchment area, as I do, affords some of the die-hards (ha, ha) - who follow Cullens clots - an opening to meet, and greet me as they feel appropriate, during my constitutionals.

A recent encounter began with two Recredivs crowing "seventy nil, seventy nil," as they approached me. One of them I swear has never been down the Coach Road, I think his name is Ivor Girocummin. The other is 'Arry Avenanus who just talks a load of crap. I didn't like the reference they made to our low spot of the season, and perhaps they indeed 'got a bite'. However I invariably leave such characters to muse over the issue of "what have your lot ever won"? Sadly the Avenanus hit me with - "the Lancashire Shield" - and it didn't hurt. Wow! - what a haul eh? When was that then? Was it a worthless remnant tossed aside by the Romans? "Anyway", added Ivor, "we will get further this year in the Challenge Cup than Town".

Well lads your team may well make it to the next round draw, because it seems Gateshead are looking for an excuse at present to postpone the tie. But will you beat the thunder on a bitterly cold North Eastern night? Oh and don't forget the pelican syndrome - please!

Yes, I know, I know, I shouldn't let them rattle me, or take the shine off my dome. Just best to ignore them eh? But hold on if, and okay when, we whip the Wildcats I'll be able to strut my stuff looking around every corner to greet them.

Is it beyond Town to do the biz on Sunday? Super League has thrown up a great divide in this Rugby League game that, as I have mentioned in past versions of the Dome, is not fair on the public who love this sport. Or to be precise not fair on those who now are classed as perennial second rate subjects of the sport. Because of the divide more opportunity, and I mean that's all - the opportunity - is there for a cup shock, seeing more teams occupy a NFP berth.

But the likelihood of a minnow upsetting the big fish is without doubt diminished by the Super Leagues influence on the sport. Looking at the NFP v SL clashes I think only Leigh, Keighley and Town are on for a giant killing.

Now, you will recall, Town have been underdogs not that long ago, in cup ties versus Wakefield. In 92 we beat 'em 13-8 in the Challenge Cup, during 94 we beat 'em 24-8 in the now defunct Regal Trophy. Both of those quite recent wins were obviously pre Super League.

Perhaps my friends(??) 'Arry and Ivor, will, if they read this at all, consider I am just covering my back in case the Tykes take it, as I am focussing so much on the great divide.

No way recredivs, I am just making out a strong case for this Sunday eventually going down as another chapter, which Town have yet again produced, for the great Cumbrian Classics of R.L. Folklore.... Yes, Town will win it. If not I'll have my head shaved, as a form of disguise. Oh, and my dog will have to go walkies alone, for a spell.
K.S.