Cumbria’s rugby union clubs take a break on Saturday with a free League weekend – but there should have been three County Cup-ties taking place.
Unfortunately two of those have been postponed. Egremont have a glut of injuries and had to pull out of their game with Aspatria while Whitehaven are also unable to raise sufficient players for the tie with Keswick.
But going ahead is the first round tie between Windermere and Wigton, while the Lowmoor Road club are going to enjoy their day out in the Lakes as they are taking a second team to play Ambleside.
Wigton are back in action after suffering a frustrating defeat at Penrith 2nds last Friday when they led for most of the game only to be pipped 35-31 in the end.
Coach David Warwick said: “Whilst the results have been disappointing so far, they now have a run of games to try and build some momentum, whilst gaining confidence after what’s been a stop-start campaign so far.
“The mood in the camp is still positive and the club is building squad depth that they haven’t had for some time.
“Last Saturday we fielded a second team for the first time in over five years, captained by Robert Marrs who led them to a 40-20 win against Cockermouth seconds.
“Joe Wannop and 19-year-old Alf Foster impressed the support. Team manager Steven Carruthers is looking to blend in a couple of the Colts team throughout the season to gain experience.
“This week the seconds travel to Ambleside so with over 35 players on the bus to the south Lakes it’s set up to be a good day out.
“As is usual nowadays squads change and whilst eight players are unavailable, Rocco Okesene, Stuart Carruthers, Billy Stafford and Sam Middleham are back for selection.”
Counties 1 Cumbria leaders Carlisle had their toughest game of the season so far at Egremont last week and it was touch and go before they got the win 24-15.
But with just two minutes left the city side only led 17-15 and could only really celebrate when James Whittaker scored a try which Jason Israel converted.
Egremont had led 12-7 at half-time and it took a Vince Lung try on 52 minutes, converted by Israel to put Carlisle in front. They had fallen behind after only two minutes and needed an 11th minute try by Tommy Dixon, converted by Israel to get them level on that occasion. Israel also landed a 73rd minute penalty.
Creighton’s first league fixture at Windermere for several years was somewhat spoiled by the torrential rain that meant numerous errors from both sides.
Despite being under pressure in the scrums the away side managed to grind out their second win of the season by 17-10.
The points came from a try by Tom Riley and four penalties from skipper and man of the match Keenan Foster. As usual it was a great team effort but Jamie Warwick was the pick of the forwards.
