THE league cup competition is again sponsored by local timber company Finnforest.

The league are pleased that Finnforest are still supporting amateur rugby league with them, also being the main sponsors of Widnes Vikings.

The competition starts this week when the town's nine open age teams set off on the trail of the Finnforest cup.

Tuesday, April 12 saw the preliminary round game at Simms Cross between struggling premier division side Widnes Albion and division three side Albert Park.

Wednesday sees West Bank Swan, who have promotion from division five in their first season, play their first ever Widnes cup game meeting the mighty St Maries from the National Conference in a first round game at Parklands, home of Albert Park.

On Thursday, April 14 Simms Cross host another first round game when premier division side Halton Farnworth Hornets meet Widnes Tigers from division four.

The final first round games and the first semi final games take place.

On Tuesday, April 19 West Bank meet the winners of this week's Widnes Albion and Albert Park game at Simms Cross.

On Wednesday next week division two side Widnes Ball meet the premier league champions Simms Cross

At St Maries.

Next Thursday, April 21 sees the first semi final at Albert Park when the winners of this week's games meet, West Bank Swan or St Maries will face either Halton Farnworth Hornets or Widnes Tigers.

The second semi final sees the winners of the Widnes Ball against St Maries tie face either Widnes Albion or Albert Park or West Bank at St Maries.

The final is again set for the Halton Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.

There is a U14s challenge match between Moorfield and West Bank kicking off at 1.45pm followed by the open age final at 3pm.

The games up to the semi final kick-off at 6.30pm and the semi finals at 6.45pm.

The games are always well supported and to many is the highlight of the amateur rugby league calendar.

The league's less fancied sides always pick up their performances and shocks occur with regularity.

Whoever wins, spectators are guaranteed great entertainment as the town's amateurs demonstrate their skills and commitment to amateur sport.

Fixtures for April 13: Widnes ARL Cup: Round Two: At Albert Park: West Bank Swan v St Maries.

April 14: At Simms Cross: Halton Farnworth Hornets v Widnes Tigers.

April 19: At Simms Cross: Widnes Albion or Albert Park v West Bank.

April 20: At St Maries: Widnes Ball v Simms Cross.

April 21: Semi Final: At Albert Park: West Bank Swan or St Maries v Halton Farnworth Hornets or Widnes Tigers.

April 26: At St Maries: Widnes Ball or Simms Cross v Widnes Albion or Albert Park or West Bank.

May 2: Final: At Halton Stadium: West Bank Bears U14s v Moorfield U14s & Open Age Final.