Skipton LMS have been having their stamina put to a very searching test in recent days and it is a credit to their stamina and resolve that they are still in line for a Premiership title and Morrison Cup double after a programme of matches that would have had the hot-shots from the Barclaycard Premiership in tears outside the offices of the European Commission for Human Rights.
LMS have just completed a run of four matches in six days and they now face Ingleton at West Close tonight in the Craven FA Morrison Cup final.
Whether LMS can pace themselves to last the course is hard to tell. They have been undone in recent weeks by younger legs, but they remain the favourites to finish at the top of the pile in the Premier section, which would be a tremendous tribute to their tenacity.
"It's been hard, but it means that we've been successful," says manager Graham Smith. "We're not the youngest side in the league and it's hard to motivate players when they are playing their sixth game in nine days.
"A lot of credit has to go to our trainer, Oliver Schepisi, who has done a very, very good job since he started with us earlier in the season.
"One advantage we've had is that the second team finished their programme a couple of weeks ago and we've been able to use some of their players, who've done a good job for us.
LMS now need a point from their remaining two games against Cross Hills and Bronte Wanderers, the only team who can now pip them if they win all their remaining games by hefty margins..
Tonight
Craven FA Morrison Cup final at West Close: Skipton LMS v Ingleton (6.30).
Tomorrow's fixtures
Premier Division: Keighley Lifts v Cross Hills
Division One: Chatburn v Skipton Bulldogs, Horton v Waddington.
Division Two: Cononley Sports Res v Ingleton, Keighley Lifts Res v Intake Res.
Monday (6.30)
Premier Division League Cup final: Oxenhope Recreation v Cross Hills.
Tuesday
Division One: Embsay Res v Waddington.
Wednesday
Northern Plant Hire Trophy final at Gargrave: Skipton Bulldogs v Bronte Wanderers.
Thursday
Premier Division: Cross Hills v Embsay.
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