Cockermouth Titans are a club on the up – starting a second team, preparing for a BARLA National Cup-tie on Saturday and with an improved home base.
The newly-created A team will contest the Cumberland ARL First Division from March 5, a result of increased playing numbers last season.
Assistant coach Dave Whitworth said: “It was hard with 21 or more players turning-up each week and telling some of them there was no game for them.
“So we decided to enter a second team in what is going to be a First Division for A teams only. It might stretch us but we have more players this time, and will have more when the rugby union season ends.
“We have a really good relationship with the rugby union club in the town.
“We told players who have expressed an interest in playing for us to finish their season with the Wasps first. I think the Wasps will say the same when we are finishing our season in September.
“I think the club is really starting to bear fruit from the great work which has been done with the youth section. Lads are now wanting to play rugby league for Cockermouth which is good for the club but also good for the sport.”
Last season’s First Division winners, the Titans have entered the National Cup for 2022 and were given a home tie against Waterhead, who play in the Third Division of the National Conference.
“They are a well-established club with famous names like Kevin Sinfield from their past. To be honest it’s going to be a big test but we are treating it as a pre-season friendly and telling our lads to go out and enjoy it.
“We have been only training since early in the New Year as our League season doesn’t start until March 5, and we haven’t got our rugby union lads. We have some newcomers from amateur rugby league coming to join us and a successful squad from last season,” said Whitworth.
One of the key players is captain Regan Tinnion who has been sharpening his fitness and experience through training with Workington Town, and getting game time for them in a friendly at Barrow.
“Regan has improved over the last years, which is a tribute to his commitment and dedication. He really enjoys his rugby and is a great example as captain,” said Whitworth.
One of the major pluses for the Titans has been the return to Highfield as a home base with club house and changing facilities to match the best. Allerdale Borough Council and the RFL’s World Cup fund have provided excellent financial support to revamp the old squash club.
“It really has made a difference to the club having our own facilities before and after games, after we had been at both the town’s rugby union club and cricket club,” says Whitworth.
The assistant coach, who is 37, had his own playing career cut short by a serious neck injury 12 years ago when he was playing for Ellenborough. He broke his neck in two places making a tackle he had done many times before.
“I just put my head in the wrong place,” he says. It was getting involved helping to coach youngsters that got him back into the game and made him realise what he had been missing.
“That was five years ago and I’m now with the seniors, assisting Dan Rayson who was appointed head coach for this season. I think the club is on the verge of exciting times.”
