Cockermouth are gearing up for a new challenge in 2021/22 as they play outside the county on a regular basis.
It’s some time since the Wasps travelled regularly outside county boundaries but now they have the opportunity to test themselves playing in North West 2 alongside Keswick and St Benedict’s having been promoted from Cumbria League 1.
Their first match couldn’t be better – a trip to neighbours Keswick which will be the first competitive game both have played in 18 months.
The Cockermouth captain is Sam Wilson and the opening fixture is exactly how the team would have wanted to restart – a local derby with a bumper crowd and big social planned in.
He told Cumbria Crack: “The Wasps’ style of play is all about expansive rugby which relies on good skill sets and high fitness across the team. Being away from the game for so long has allowed us to go back to basics with a focus over pre-season of enjoying being back on the field with a ball in hand and working hard alongside your mates.
“Numbers have increased year-on-year and with the club investing in fitness coach Luke Reeson’s time over pre-season many of the lads look as fit as we’ve ever seen them, which is a credit to their level of commitment and the clubs developing offer to players.
“The 1st team will look to get back to the level of intensity in attack and defence which had started to kick on prior to the pandemic and transition from a team with potential to a team performing consistently.
“Doing this outside of the county is a new experience for much of the squad but one we’ve been looking forward to for a few years now. The last time Cockermouth played at this level was in the early 2000s.
“We have seen over 50 faces over pre-season (age range from 16 to 58) which sets the club up well across both squads. Our second team will be playing in Cumbria League 2 and it marks a milestone in the club’s development that we can field a competitive 2nd team in what will be a tough league.
“The team is looking to transition from a social to a competitive side where opportunities to develop into 1st team players are there for those that want it.
“The focus has been on retaining and developing our great crop of local lads, however, new recruits include Johny Crichton at full-back who we have high hopes for.
“Ian Dougie McDowell has rejoined the club from Penrith as assistant coach and utility front-rower and will bring the experience and knowledge our pack will need going up a level.
“Mike Fagan rejoins the club as an experienced prop while Luke Broster returns to the club after spending time in the North East and will be one to watch develop as a front-rower.
“Ant Davies joins as an experienced back-rower/second-row having played in the National Leagues whilst Greg Vickers joins the club after returning to rugby following a few years absence and now having moved to the area.
“We also have a few lads returning from long term injuries including centre Connor Bannard, jack of all trades Ross McGuire and myself.
“We look forward to getting started and catching up with our supporters and opposition alike. We expect the first few games to be clunky as we all get back to playing and as we all adapt to the new laws. However, we will look to build that match sharpness and with competition high for places in both squads we anticipate an enjoyable season.”
Cockermouth 2nds kick-off in Cumbria League Two at home to Keswick 2nds on Friday night.
