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Prop crisis for Lions

29/ 3/2007

SWINTON have been hit with a prop crisis on the eve of their 'vitally important' Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round tie at home to League Two rivals Barrow.

Richard Marshall (broken arm), Steve McCurrie (knee injury) and Adam Sharples (work commitments) are certain to miss out. And there are doubts about the availability of fellow props Rob Line (broken ribs), Bruce Johnson (dislocated thumb) and Dave Newton (dead leg).

That leaves Chris Morley and Gareth Hayes as the only fully fit props for Sunday, April 1, kick-off 3pm.

Head coach Paul Kidd said: "It is a crisis for us and I'm just hoping that some of the injured props manage to pull through.

"The Challenge Cup is a vitally important competition and we are up against a Barrow side who are bang in form.

"They have been doing exceptionally well in the Northern Rail Cup and they put 70 points past Blackpool at the weekend.

"If we play like we did against Oldham on Sunday we will lose. I'm looking to see a reaction from that defeat this weekend."

Key pivot Phil Wood will return for Swinton having missed the Oldham game through work commitments. John Walker (cracked sternum) could also be back while Marlon Billy (hamstring) is rated as doubtful.