Hello again. I am back, having took what I feel was a well earned sabbatical.

However because so many Townies were wondering where I had disappeared to (hundreds actually, tens then? Oh all right, only BOB and MIKE.) so I have cut short my rest period and hit the keyboard again.

The main happenings over the last fortnight have been the final farewell - to Town - from Matt Sturm. I did hold a view that he would eventually stay at DP. Not to worry he will soon be dancing with the Wolves, and I sincerely hope he enjoys the experience. I do though sadly regret his decision to exit Workington.

Another hot gossip item is the schedule, agenda, programme, cock-up? Recently suggested for the lower ranks of the professional Rugby League. Us that is, at Workington, being subjected to yet another potpourri of reorganisation. How on earth does anyone, or who from this planet can, conjure up these formulas? The deadline to accept, or reject, the new format is now almost upon us. Surely it will be booted vigorously into oblivion. But RL has a past history of ignoring the fans appeals, the magnificent seven may need to muster, and load up, for a shoot out. But for heavens sake let sanity prevail, and please, Red Hall masters, (re)arrange the NFP in a sensible fashion - leave well alone in fact.

While not doing this piece for a couple of weeks I have nevertheless been deeply involved in Town Academy business, matches, complaints - official that is, and end of season award night logistics have been rather time consuming.

The Academy finished second to Leigh in the Division one table, you knew that of course. Their last league match being a rearranged one, past the official end of season deadline as it happened.

It was at Doncaster, the result being of no relevance whatever to the league table, Town were guaranteed second, Donny would not make the top five. So therefore the journey was not really necessary, although a fine would have been mandatory for not completing our fixtures. Sadly, as most of you now are aware, it was an Academy outing to hell.

I am not in the habit of being a whinge. A joker, yes, but honestly the conditions at the amateur ground made my stomach turn. While making my .official complaint to RL Headquarters I had to ask was this acceptable for Academy in the year 2001.

I don't even like the idea of the home players being subjected to those Spartan conditions. Academy football demands more respect than we were all subjected to at Doncaster on that particular bloody Sunday. I am confident of never seeing that place again - with an Academy team.

The play off commenced last weekend. Town were hosts to a rampant Rovers from Featherstone. Some of the visitors fans continued the banter with me that we had started in July at The Fev Miners Welfare Ground. Again I had to concede that the best team, on the day, took the honours.

This Sunday will therefore become of mega importance for Martin Oglanby's team. The match versus Barrow at Maryport, kick off 2.00pm is an Elimination semi- final. Sudden death for the losers. Workington Town's youngsters will certainly be less than keen to have their season prematurely curtailed from this one.

However, the Furness side are running hot, hot, hot at present (no pun intended, ha,ha), albeit via home victories against Oldham, Dewsbury, and perhaps more poignantly Featherstone.

Nevertheless, Town have completed an excellent league double over Barrow this season although that will probably count for nothing in this game.

The visitors are allegedly bringing along quite a large following of supporters to assist them as they attempt to avoid a triumphant Town treble.

Maryport folk have already attended two Town Academy matches in great numbers - Leigh and Oldham were seen off rather comfortably at the Athletic Grounds.

It will need the same local commitment this Sunday that's for sure.

The game promises to a be a classic Cumbrian Derby, let's hope for an exciting, fair, and above all, entertaining Academy match. See you there folks!!!
K.S.