Distington’s elevation to the National Conference League next season has brought congratulations at local level.
Peter Gilmour, chairman of the Holmen Iggesund Cumberland ARL led the response to Distington’s move up into Division Three.
“On behalf of all involved with CARLA we would like to congratulate Distington on their acceptance into the NCL for 2024.
“They have achieved huge success on the field and through the hard work of many have evolved from a team into a club with fantastic structures and this is a fully deserved reward for all of their hard work.
“They will be a big miss to the CARLA but they again show the quality of the teams that our competition produces.
“What Distington have achieved is the culmination of years of hard work by players, coaches and their dedicated group of volunteers.
“We wish them every success for the next chapter in the club’s history.”
Lorraine Degraff, the League secretary said: “We would like to congratulate them because we know it’s something they have been working on for a while.
“They have been a keystone of CARL for many years and during this time they have won everything there is to win in our competitions.
“Although we are sad to see them leave we are sure they will do well in the National Conference League and wish them all the very best.”
It won’t be completely goodbye as Distington intend to run an A team in the local league next season.
The NCL have stressed that they should be running a second team and an Under-16s team by 2025.
They also have to provide dugouts for the NCL as well as special parking facilities for the disabled – which will be quickly sorted.
There are two games this week-end in the Holmen Iggesund Cumberland ARL – one tonight and one tomorrow afternoon.
Squaring up tonight are Kells A v Cockemouth with the Titans confident of being able to put out a team.
They have had to pull-oiut of recent games through a shortage of players which has cost them a place in the top four.
They also have a Firpress Printers Cumberland Cup final date with Distington at the end of the season.
The other game tomorrow is crucial in the battle to decide who gets the final top four place.
Lowca, after Distington the form team in the competition, entertain revitalised Maryport in what should be a gripping contest.
Hensingham A should have hosted Wath Brow A tonight but were unable to raise a team so the match has been awarded to the Hornets 24-0.
Likewise Ellenborough A have no team to play Distington so the points have also been awarded as a 24-0 win.
