COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

Cumbria 15-10 Lancashire

CUMBRIA produced a resilient performance as they began their defence of the County Championship title with a 15-10 victory over Lancashire at Maryport.

A much changed Cumbria, had to come from behind, as a determined Lancashire outfit gained an early initiative and for a period looked the better side.

Lancashire led 6-2 at half-time, but a Cumbrian surge brought the hosts two converted tries and the initiative was maintained until six minutes from the end when Lancashire came right back into the game with a second try.

A drop-goal in the final minute gave Cumbria that extra insurance and they defended stoutly to wrap up the win and set themselves up for next weeks trip to York for the game with Yorkshire.

Lancashire took the lead with a James McMullen penalty after five minutes, but Cumbria were back level within three minutes courtesy of Gavin Curwen's boot.

Neither side was able to fashion a clear chance in the opening exchanges, and the only try of the first half came on 27 minutes from Lancashire's Dave Mitchell.

Cumbria moved up a gear midway through the second period and were rewarded with two tries. Wath Brow's Craig Johnstone touched down first, which Curwen converted to edge them 8-6 in front.

Roose middle-back Andy McClure fed Ellenborough's Stephen Douglas in the 62nd minute for the winger to race 40 yards to the line, Curwen again added the extras.

Lancashire to their credit never gave up the ghost and scored a second unconverted try on 74 minutes to trail by four points.

The game was sealed when man of the match, Wath Brow hooker Gary Todd was on hand to slot over a drop goal in the dying moments.

BILLY BRYCE MEMORIAL TROPHY

Ellenborough Rangers 42-10 Egremont Rangers

Ellenborough Rangers kept firm hold of the Billy Bryce Memorial Trophy with a 42-10 victory over Egremont Rangers at Milltofts.

Elbra led 12-0 at the break and proceeded to score seven tries through Phil Brown (2), Phil Hoyles, Paul McGee, Jonty Gorley, Ryan Charters and Wayne Linford. McGee added seven goals.