THERE is a free weekend ahead for many rugby union clubs with the players welcoming a break after a hard three months slog – but there will be limited action locally

It starts under the lights at Hartsfield this evening with New Brighton taking on Anselmians in the semi-final of the Cheshire Vase.

Anselmians are now a level above their opponents but it promises to be an interesting confrontation with the Blues doing well in South Lancashire/Cheshire One League.

On Saturday Caldy have Harrogate as visitors in National Two North and it looks another winning opportunity for the go-ahead Wirral club which sits second in the division.

Harrogate are struggling at the wrong end of the table and could have a torrid afternoon. Leaders Loughborough Students face fourth placed Luctonians so Caldy could easily consolidate their promotion hopes.

There are some catch-up fixtures in South Lancashire/Cheshire Two. Ellesmere Port welcome Ramsey whilst Oldershaw fly in the opposite direction to face Vagabonds and should have been lifted by a welcome victory last Saturday.

National Junior Vase first round ties include a cross river derby between Mossley Hill and Parkonians.

FIXTURES (2.15pm unless stated): Tonight: Cheshire Vase semi-final: New Brighton v Anselmians (7.30pm).

Saturday: National Two North: Caldy v Harrogate.

South Lancashire/Cheshire Two: Ellesmere Port v Ramsey; Vagabonds v Oldershaw.

National Junior Vase: Mossley Hill v Parkonians.