Cockermouth will play their biggest game for years a week on Saturday when West Hartlepool visit Strawberry How.
The visitors are unbeaten all season in Counties 1 Durham and Northumberland, winning all 22 League games.
But Cockermouth will have some high-level input ahead of the game from two household names – Shaun Edwards and Andy Farrell.
Both happen to have been taught by Cockermouth’s head coach Jeff Clare in Wigan and he has remained in contact with them throughout their careers.
“I was speaking to Shaun only this morning and I was asking about a couple of things that might be useful to us next week.
“Of course we are talking about different levels of ability in players but you can still adapt the ideas which I hope to be able to do,” says Jeff.
He took over the lead coach role this season, stepping up from the second team and he has been delighted with the team’s achievements in gaining promotion and making progress in the Papa John’s competition.
“At Cockermouth we are fortunate to have a group of players full of heart, enthusiasm and endeavour who play for each other.
“The game at Upper Eden was a case in point. Although we started well and scored first they came back, cut loose and scored two tries to lead 12-5. It looked a bit ominous.
“I managed to have just a quick word with them behind the sticks and the response was phenomenal. It isn’t all down to heart and endeavour, because there are some serious rugby players in there with a bit of class.
“We will be promoted now and I think if they stick together, continue in the same manner I am sure we can cause a few problems to clubs in the League above.
“We don’t know anything about West Hartlepool apart from their record but we will be doing our very best to end their unbeaten run. I’m expecting a full turn-out at training next week in preparation.”
As well as his commitments to the Wasps and the 15-a-side game Jeff also coaches Cockermouth Titans who are due to start their Cumberland ARL programme on Saturday.
He played rugby league at school in Wigan and was following his father into the pro game when he joined the Wigan club as a teenager. Dad Mick had been a front row forward with Blackpool Borough.
Jeff went on to play 28 times for Wigan first team, scoring six tries and kicking 17 goals. One of those tries pout him into the Wigan record books as the scorer of the first try to be worth four points.
He also had spells on loan at Leeds and St Helens before ending his career with Salford, for whom his dad had also played.
He had two years out of rugby when he concentrated on athletics and his ability at throwing the discus.
It was when he started teaching PE in Wigan that he was invited along to the local rugby union club where he became player coach for three years.
“Wigan RUFC was getting short of players around that time and through my connections with the schools I was able to boost their numbers,” he recalls.
He had a two year stint at Netherhall School before returning home to be nearer family members at the time but enjoyed west Cumbria so much that last August he took up a post as maths teacher at Workington Academy.
“I’ve got involved in the two rugby clubs at Cockermouth and it’s been great. I’m thoroughly enjoying it. I hope the Titans can surprise a few this season – while I’m looking for the Wasps to sting West Hartlepool next week.”
With a little bit of help from Messrs Farrell and Edwards!
