There is still plenty of Cumbrian interest in the Papa John’s Trophy in its various guises – with separate competitions for different levels.
This despite the fact that to the disappointment of the RFU a number of clubs withdrew and presented their opponents with walk-overs.
Wigton were a case in point when they should have travelled to Ponteland but got through with a subsequent bye.
In the second round of the Counties 1 North Shield they have a home game on April 15 against Hartlepool.
Cockermouth completed a superb finish to the season with an 18-15 win at Counties 1 Cumbria champions Upper Eden.
It was played as a double header, the final League game and the first round of the Counties 1 Championship.
Cockermouth now have an extremely attractive home game in round two against West Hartlepool on April 15.
In Counties One North Shield two Cumbrian clubs made progress after byes.
But Silloth and Creighton were out of luck in the second round draw as both must travel.
Creighton will have a tough task at Leigh while Silloth will travel to Leeds to take-on Roundhegians.
At the top end of the competitions Penrith and Kendal are involved in four team sections.
Unfortunately Stoke have dropped out of Kendal’s pool and after losing at home to Wirral on Saturday they have only to play Ilkley away on April 15. Wirral will be firm favourites to go through.
Having just lost 41-40 at Bowdon, picking up two bonus points, Penrith are still in contention with two games to come at home to Morpeth and away to Moortown.
