The first Holmen Iggesund Cumberland ARL final is being staged tonight at Distington.
Wath Brow A go head-to-head with Maryport in the final of the EB Lamb and Son Amateur Cup.
Although Wath Brow will start favourites after comfortably winning the league clash between the pair, coach Paul Farrell knows that it’s a final, a one-off game and anything can happen.
Paul, who is in his first season as A team coach has every respect for Maryport and the work being put in by head coach Mark Foster and his coaching team.
“Although we won the game with them fairly comfortably you couldn’t fault Maryport for their effort. Mark has done a great job with the team as they are well organised and have some very promising young players.
“We have some absentees for the game. The very experienced Peter Caddy is on holiday and Jamie McAllister has a long-term injury. But we have been bringing young members of our Under-16s into the side over the season and they have done well for us, taking it in their stride.
“Devon Sharp, a young half-back has been doing exceptionally well for us but he misses out because of an England call-up, which is testament to his form.”
Paul has been coaching now for nearly 10 years, starting as assistant with Carl Hewer at Distington and then being more involved with the youth set-up at the club. He actually started his playing career at Wath Brow as a six-year-old so has gone back to his roots.
Interestingly, Paul is being assisted this season by Claire Hall, the only woman who is coaching in the senior men’s game in the county and to be involved in a final.
“I think about 95 per cent of the people who see me think I am the Wath Brow physio. But I get complete respect from the players and the other coaches at the club.
“I hadn’t played for about 11 years but I got into coaching girls, women and mixed teams and thought being involved with Wath Brow A would be the next step to take.
“I’ve been helping with the team for the last two seasons and really looking forward to the final. I am particularly enjoying seeing young players come through the club system and perform well at senior level,” she said.
Over at Maryport, head coach Mark Foster said: “Obviously we are looking forward to this one immensely. It will be Maryport’s first major final since 2014, and it was this competition which I played in and we won it.
“But it’s a big test for us against a very well drilled and competitive Wath Brow side who beat us comfortably in the league.
“I have nothing but respect for the Wath Brow club from their senior teams right through the youth system it’s really well run and it’s what we aspire to at Maryport.
“We know we are the underdogs but I am confident the lads will give it everything on the night.
“Each week half the squad are under the age of 20 and five of them have come in from last year’s Under-16s team so we are a very young team.
“I need to check on a couple of availabilities because of holidays but the only definite non-starter is my brother Craig who broke and dislocated his ankle two weeks ago against Ellenborough A and will be out for the rest of the season – it might even end his career.”
Peter Gilmour, the CARL chairman said: “The E. Lamb and son Cup has proven to be a fantastic competition that over the years has given the opportunity for so much young talent to make their mark in amateur rugby league and this season has been no different.
“We have the Wath Brow production line continuing to pay dividends and a vibrant Maryport club, both looking to lift the season’s first major trophy
“It promises to be a great final and all at CARL thank E Lamb and son for their continued support and partnership that’s the longest running in amateur rugby league.”
The kick-off at Distington is 7pm and admission is £3 and £1 concessions. It will be cash only at the gate.
