Aspatria Hornets put up a spirited performance in defeat when they lost their BARLA National Cup-tie 30-18 at Ackworth Jaguars.
They had actually taken the lead early in the game and against a big, strong side stayed in the contest after the hosts had built a 20-12 half-time lead.
Coach Hitro Okesene said: “The conditions were poor because of the weather but it was a really good effort. I was pleased with how they performed against an experienced side.
“We started really well, completing our sets and got the boost of an early converted try, although they did come back to lead at the break.
“There wasn’t much in it during the second-half so full credit to the boys for how they stuck at it.
“I hope it will have done us good ahead of the Cumberland ARL season which starts early March. We are going to sit down and talk about whether we should fit in another friendly.
“We have some young lads in the squad and it’s going to do them good playing in the CARL Premier Division against some more experienced players.”
Luke Crossman had given the Hornets an early advantage with a try which was converted by Rocco Okesene, the 17-year-old son of the coach.
Like a few more Aspatria players on the day, young Okesene had to play out of position – from centre to full-back – while the Hornets also suffered injuries during the game.
Shane Ball, their winter recruit from Maryport, scored their second try, again converted by Okesene while in a tight second-half it was Mark Irwin who got over for the third touchdown, again converted by Okesene.
