The champions, minor at present, are in town this Sunday. While Leigh must be favourites to do the double over their hosts (considering the injury toll Workington have on board) I do have a sneaking fancy that their trip to west Cumbria will be no picnic outing for the awesome Centurions.

Or is that whimsical forecast further confirmation that I am indeed one sandwich short of the aforesaid basket binge?

Of course it is still a very, very sore point with many townies regarding the disaster at Hilton Park, way back in the cold months of winter. The match score on that bleak evening escapes my memory cell and I'm not in any panic to be reminded, thanks. Although, funny as it may seem, I can recall very well that February afternoon of the year 1995 when the Leigh lads capitulated by 94-4 in a challenge cup tie at Derwent Park. It's odd how your memory bank can be so selective isn't it? And perhaps there lays another example to all the moaning minnies, and dismal jimmies, of our region - the cup score - not my oblivious selectivity. Because Leigh were in those days virtually just a short step from extinction, and, wow look at the difference today.

But to be honest I have had enough of lambasting the moaners - for this season at least. Let's ignore them eh? Loyal townies only will be on the terraces urging Workington to beat the odds on Sunday - with hopefully the attendance boosted by hordes of Lancashire lads and lasses, just as the loyal travellers were at Chorley last week to assist the flagging fortunes of the Lynx.

You know it is a nice little stadium, Victory Park, and was all the more colourful with the addition of Spike and his inebriated army. It is apparent that the public of the medium sized Lancashire township, though, will never support pro Rugby league in sufficient numbers to make it viable for the Lynx management. 283 (including said town battalion) was surely a dreadful statement of apathy for the Chorley club. How on earth do they survive? By giving cheese or ham butties to the academy lads - that's how, and I was one short!!) Will Chorley make 2002? I do not think it very promising, sadly.

Talking of next season, I see the proposed September kick for a full winter season has been put on ice. I do not possess any particular notion regarding the shaping of the NFP season. Unless it was prescribed that a twelve-month span would become operative - that would do for me.

But the sober fact is the lower division, ours, is undoubtedly in need of an urgent makeover.

I did wonder if Richard and Judy, or Carol Voderthingy and her team, might help, (where's that missing sandwich?) - does anyone know a contact number please? Hey I'm serious, I would ask for a revamped Derwent Park as a priority.

Enough of the fantasies, for now. I mentioned the Lynx and how perilous their future must be, however rumour has it that other NFP factions are also wavering on the cliff edge of obliteration.

Look again though at Leigh folks. Hilton Park, if that memory cell is working, almost became a hypermarket setting in the mid 90's. The Leigh fans almost went off their trolleys with anger at the proposals, and fought to keep the club alive, not forgetting the club directors' endeavours to keep Leigh afloat. The good ship NFP is a product worth supporting. As yet the e-mail contact at the top right of this page has not been used. How about airing your views on a survival plan?
K.S.