RUGBY UNION By John Walsh

Last updated 05:39, Friday, 26 September 2008

CARLISLE and Aspatria both misfired on the opening day of the North Two East season so a Cumbrian derby can be expected to rouse both sides.

Up for it: Carlisle's Martin Grealish wins lineout ball against Billingham

They clash tomorrow at Bower Park in the knowledge that both must do better if they want to make an impact on what is expected to be a tightly-fought League.

Despite disappointing performances on opening day, both teams are contemplating limited changes.

Aspatria will bring Richard Miller back into the pack as he missed last week’s trip to Driffield through farming commitments.

Chairman of rugby Mark Richardson said: “He had made himself unavailable because of work on the farm but when the weather deteriorated he was able to travel to North Shields with the second team, the Eagles and he played very well.

“He is likely to figure against Carlisle but I don’t imagine there will be further changes.”

The biggest problem Aspatria faced at Driffield was handling the new rules which have been brought in this season, particularly with regard to rucking.

Coach Mike Scott admitted his side had been “baffled” by the interpretations of the referee in the 30-12 defeat.

Richardson said: “I was with the Eagles at North Shields and to be honest it wasn’t too bad. I think a lot does depend on the referee’s interpretation of the new laws.

“We have spent a lot of time on the rules at training and hopefully it will be ironed out for Saturday.”

South African Jacques Rowe marked his return to the Aspatria side with a try, converted by Scott as the Black Reds led 7-6 early in the second half. But they had slipped 30-7 behind before Gary Hodgson, their best player, scored the second try.

Carlisle make only one change from the side which went down 26-15 at home to Billingham.

Scrum-half Tim Hughes left the field with a medial knee ligament injury.

That means the diminutive Hughes has probably played his last game of the season for the Warwick Road outfit as he if off to New Zealand in mid October for 12 months!

His place goes to George Graham who has been creeping up the pecking order having come through the club youth and colts programme.

Glen Weightman who booted all of Carlisle’s 15 points from penalties last week is the half back partner for Graham.

The only other change is on the bench, where Barry Earl gives way to Chad Hawley. Coach, Richard Metcalf is hoping for an improvement after the disappointing reverse against league new comers Billingham.

The first half display gave some cause for optimism and more of the same will be acceptable, although in the second half of that game, Carlisle lost their way a little.

From the home of chemicals, the visitors used the initials of their main local employer, ICI, to good effect as initiative, craft and industry were their watchwords, giving Carlisle a lesson in team work.

The Carlisle players have been working hard in training this week and will be determined to make amends.

Aspatria Eagles put up a good display at North Shields in the EDF Energy Senior Vase, eventually losing 18-7. They conceded all the points in the first half and were the better team in the second period when Neil Paisley scored a try, converted by Lee Holliday.

It’s an Aspatria/Carlisle double tomorrow because the Eagles are also at home to Creighton.

Carlisle Crusaders opened their league game with a win against a strong West Hartlepool XV in the Candy League but have a day off this week with no league match and 'friendly' fixtures hard to come by!

The Hornets entertain Creighton A in the Cumbria Shield League and will be looking to open their account after missing out narrowly last week 17-15 at Bleach Green against Egremont A.