By Helen Thompson

Last updated at 12:39, Wednesday, 28 July 2010

Workington Town chairman Dave Bowden hopes a bumper crowd will turn out and support flame haired prop Ryan MacDonald in his eagerly anticipated testimonial match on Saturday.

Ryan MacDonald

MacDonald has assembled an All-Star team to play a West Cumbrian Amateur Select side at the Recreation Ground, ko 2.30pm and Bowden believes it will be an interesting game for fans.

The strong-running forward who joined Town this season from Whitehaven, has persuaded his old Super League boss Neil Kelly to lace up his boots for the match after being under him at both Dewsbury and Widnes.

And Keighley coach Barry Eaton is also set to turn out, along with former Leeds forward Anthony Farrell and Dean Lawford, all coached by Paul Crarey.

“I am personally looking forward to seeing the game with an interesting blend of players,” said Bowden.

“There are some names from the past who could certainly play a bit when they were players and some not bad coaches either!

“There is some real rugby league experience and top names there, playing against some good local lads.

“It is a nice break for fans from the pressures of play-offs and traumas of the league season, to go along and enjoy what I’m sure will be a great rugby league occasion.”

The amateur side will be coached by Kells boss Peter Smith and includes players from both Copeland and Allerdale clubs.

Former Glasson amateur MacDonald has also had a spell in the Super League with Widnes and spent time with Leeds, Dewsbury and Halifax. And it is from these clubs that he has pulled in a lot of old faces to play.

Bowden added: “This will be a reflection of all the areas where he has played his rugby league, at amateur and professional levels. And he has seen some good times and played with some good lads.

“It will be a great occasion for him and I know he will enjoy it, although we don’t want to see him injured for our end of season and I do look forward to seeing his passing game rather than his normal game!”

First published at 11:28, Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk