» News Archive 4

Keith Singleton joins town.net

Town fans will be very familiar with Keith, who scribes the match-day programme. He will be writing for this site during the new season.

Ashes tour kicks-off at town

Derwent Park is set to be the venue for a ground-breaking game involving world champions Australia and a Northern Ford Premiership select side as part of next year's Ashes tour.

Australia will face France in a one-off test, with October 13 as probable date. They will then arrive in England for a three-match series against Great Britain as well as up to three other tour games.

These additional fixtures have yet to be arranged, but RFL director of rugby Greg McCallum is keen to assist the development of the NFP.

"I would like to provide an opportunity for British-based players to play a touring team, and a match against the NFP would be an ideal opening," said McCallum.

West Cumbrians would flock to Derwent Park to see world superstars such as Wendell Sailor and Brad Fittler, while several of the Town squad could be strong contenders for the NFP team.

McCallum is keen to play the game at Town, after 4,107 fans filled Derwent Park for the recent Lincoln World Cup match between the Maoris and Samoa.

More academy stars sign

Two more of last season's successful academy team's youngsters have signed for the club.

BARLA Great Britain young Lion prop Steven Wallace has signed on amateur forms, while centre Kevin Wilson has agreed a two-year deal.

Vice-chairman Mike Cunningham said "Steven wants to get the benefit of the coaching at the club to raise his game to put himself in a strong position for a BARLA place. He's a belter of a lad and what a heart he's got.

"Kevin is the most underrated young player in the county and would have greatly enhanced a Great Britain side.

"He's a coach's dream - committed and he wants to be the best at whatever he does."