The West Cumberland Sunday League has kicked off with two fewer teams than last season.
Parkside, Bluebell and Whitehaven Amateurs have dropped out with Mirehouse coming in.
It’s particularly disappointing to see Parkside exit as they were the Sunday County Cup winners two years ago while Bluebell had previously been in the Workington Sunday League for a number of years.
The 17 competing clubs have been split 7-10 with regard to Premier Division and Division One participation.
In a remarkable game at Wakefield Road the reigning Premier Division champions Deer Orchard appeared to be cruising at half-time, leading Thornhill 4-0.
But the visitors staged something of a fightback and in the end Orchard were happy to take the points from a 7-5 victory.
Sam Wright spearheaded the Orchard victory with four goals and Jayden Fulton (2) and Luke Graham were in support.
Thornhill’s fightback came through Scott Underwood (2), Harrison Rogers, Ben Mahaffy and Ben Clements.
Previous champions Northside were 2-0 behind at half-time against their visitors The Sun.
But in after an impressive second-half performance Northside ran out 5-2 winners.
Hayden Whittingham and Keenan Mackay had given The Sun a two goal advantage but Northside collected the points through Tommy Whitehead (3), Chad Grisdale and Daniel Knott.
Dearham Commercial have been an improving side over the last two years but they suffered a 5-2 opening day defeat at Lowca Pirates.
It was 3-1 at half-time but the Pirates scored the only two goals in the second-half.
Harley Cueto, Taylor Cueto, Owen Woodburn, Nicky McAllister and Callum Wilson were the scoring Pirates while James Langstaff netted Dearham’s consolation.
All ten Division One sides were in action and between them they scored 36 goals.
Topping the scoresheet were Senhouse Street who won 8-3 at King’s Arms.
Leon Wharrier (2), Ollie Arkles (2), Grant Quayle (2), Ant Zajac and Ryan Moore scored for the visitors.
Kieran Fraser, Kian Sim and Chris Moore responded for the hosts.
Tightest contest saw Maryport Amateurs beat the Royal Oak 4-3.
Steven Stoddart (2) and Lewis Moore (2) scored for Maryport with Reece Connelly, Carl Lofthouse and Ryan Nichols replying for the Oak.
There was a winning double for the Sun Inn as the Athletic were 4-1 winners against Mirehouse Juniors while the pub’s first team were 3-1 winners at the Zebras.
Bradley Williamson (2), Jason Donald and Matty Hornsby were on target for the Athletic with Jack Coyne, Louie Elliot and Robbie Woodburn netting for the first team.
Mike Herbert scored for the Zebras and Reece Haley had the pleasure of scoring Mirehouse’s first goal in the competition.
In the other game Workington Falcons, formerly Borough Miners, beat the Swan 6-3.
Dan Graham (2), Dec Moore (2), Jonny Cash and Guy Richardson scored for the Falcons.
Dean Scholey, Shaun Patterson and Joe Porter netted for the Swan.
There are no fixtures this bank holiday weekend.
