Wath Brow A landed the first trophy of the season when they beat Hensingham A 48-6 in the final of the E. B. Lamb and son Amateur Cup.
It made amends for last season when they also reached the final but were beaten by Maryport at Distington – also the scene of this triumph.
They had virtually sealed the win at half-time as they built-up a 20-6 lead with tries from Jamie Devine (2), skipper Luke Davison and Peter Caddy – three of their most experienced players, two of which were converted by Leyton Dockwray.
A try by Dane Richardson which was converted by Taylor Richardson just about kept Hensingham in touch.
But the Hornets were too strong and in the second-half they added to their total with tries from Davison (2) – to complete his hat-trick – Jackson Benn, Luke Spivey, Daley Stables and Jenson Olstrom. Dockwray and Olstrom each added a goal.
The Man of the Match award went to Wath Brow’s Jack Casey.
Winning coach Paul Farrell said: “It was a scrappy start with a few errors and it took us about 20 minutes to get into the game. Hensingham were a young side who kept coming but our experienced lads shone through.
“I reminded them of how we felt about coming off last year after losing and they responded with a very committed performance. We were able to play some good rugby and score some nice tries which was very pleasing – as was the fact that we had the first trophy of the season.”
Hensingham head coach Kris Coward, who watched the game, said: “We were competitive for the first 20 minutes but they had a 20-6 lead at half-time and although we got into an arm wrestle at times they blew us out of the water in the last 15 minutes.”
In the Hollmen Iggesund Cumberland League Kells A stepped-up their top-four challenge with a 32-12 home win against Distington A.
The Kells tries were scored by Dan Starkie (2), Cam Seeds, Ross Gainfor,d Dylan Hurton and Nathan Clarke with four goals by Gainford.
Distington, who had been 16-6 behind at half-time, responded with tris by Bailey Worthington and Keith Hunter, converted by Jaiden Hewer.
Casey Chambers was the man of the match for Kells A with Robbie-Joe Worthington picking-up the award for Distington.
Assistant coach Bradley Smith was in charge of the Kells side for this one and he said: “Before the game we asked the lads to limit Distington’s field position and time with the ball in the early stages of the game.
“Distington matched us in all departments with very aggressive outside defence but we gave them good ball in good areas and they got a foothold in the game.
“Then we started playing, going set for set and getting our strike players into good areas.
“At half-time we re-capped and doubled down on the basics. After that we got field position and with the slope to help we managed to win the game relatively comfortably.
“Credit to Distington because I was really impressed with their loose forward and right centre, both strong runners of the ball who proved difficult all night.”
In the other game Lowca were 46-12 winners at Askam with tries from Evan Hodgson (3), man of the match Mitchell Todd (2), Xanden Callander (2) and Robbie Fisher with seven goals from Keith Campbell.
Askam, who had trailed 24-6 at half-time scored tries through Lucas James and Rob Cockayne with Lucas Stables landing the goals. Dylam Barrow was their man of the match.
Lowca coach Lee Allen said: “The game went as I expected. They had a big pack and a few skilful outside backs that never gave up for 80 minutes. They also provided fantastic hospitality.
“As for us we defended well and scored some good tries from our outside backs.”
Chris Broadley the Askam player coach said: “It was another game where we competed for spells but gave away too many penalties and it cost us. It’s building blocks really, trying to improve as we go through the season. I thought our full-back Lucas James was outstanding with his pace,
“Lowca came with the right attitude and did a job on us. I’d just like to wish them all the best for the rest of the season.”
