Cockermouth came out on top in a hard-fought Premier Division clash with Kells A in the Holmen Iggesund Cumberland League.
It finished 20-18 with Cockermouth crucially scoring four tries to Kells’ three.
Cockermouth held a 14-12 lead at half-time and both teams added a converted try after the break.
For Kells there were tries from Aaron Burns, Dan Starkie and Karl Garner with three goals from Lewis High.
Cockermouth scored tries through Danny Price (2), Tyler Marrs and Spencer Fulton and Regan Tinnion kicked two goals.
Kells coach Jonathan Wignall said: “I was proud of how the club has pulled together to get a side back on the field after the disappointment of failing to get a team out the previous week.
“We had a number of players carrying heavy knocks but put their hands up to ensure we fulfilled the fixture.
“We had numerous chances to win a close encounter but ultimately our lack of cohesion cost us in vital moments.
“Credit to Cockermouth who played tough and unfortunately for us we couldn’t get a decisive score in the later stages.
“We now have a fortnight off to try and get some bodies back before the Cup semi-final against a strong Maryport side.”
Ryan Robnb was selected as Kells’ man of the match.
Player coach Liam McAvoy, who was awarded Cockermouth’s man of the match said: “I was really proud of the lads for that performance because we were really up against it.
“We suffered injuries after we had two lads drop out late on so we really just had 13 for much of the second half.
“The win means we are still in the mix for finishing top and in a fortnight we have a massive game against Wath Brow. Hopefully it will give time for these injuries to clear up.”
There was a Division One game in which Distington A won 22-8 at Flimby.
The Distington tries came from man of the match Gavin Martin (2), Brandon Walker and Kelvin Lynch with three goals from Brandon Walker.
Flimby scored two unconverted tries by Gary Steele and Nathan Kirkbride. Grant Underwood was their man of the match.
Ricky Morrison, the Flimby coach said: “Distington played well with a couple of experienced lads taking charge of a very young but well-drilled side.
“Penalties cost us and when we went down to 12 men it was always going to be a tough game. Two of our forwards, Kieran Johnson and veteran Gary Steele had excellent games.”
