January 12, 2001

By Steve Coulter

THERE was mixed fortunes for Cumberland League clubs, as Amateur Rugby League's premier competition, the GMB Union National Cup got underway at the weekend.

WATH Brow Hornets exposed the brittle underbelly of Conference side Crosfields with another super show.

Yet the one-sided affair may have provided substantial evidence that the Hornets are on target to win the one trophy that has eluded them.

Brow were in control all afternoon against a 'Soapmen' unit who never really threatened their ascendancy.

Seven tries to two was a decisive gap between the two teams and Hornets were never really extended.

Paul Davidson's 'injury curse' reared its head again, with the big prop suffering a dislocated finger after just 15 seconds. He did however, return during the second half to play a prominent role in Hornets endeavors.

The Cumbrian's went ahead in the third minute courtesy of Man-of-the-match Gavin Curwen's boot and increase the margin to six points after 9 minutes, when winger Gary Clark shot over for an unimproved try.

Full-back Curwen landed his second penalty on 15 minutes and was equally successful after 27 minutes when he improved an excellent try from forward David Currie.

Curwen had a magical afternoon, and capped a brilliant game with a try after 35 minutes, which he also goaled.

Crosfields finally put points on the board after pressure paid off in the final minute of the first period when scrum-half David Gibbons darted over for a try, converted by James Williams.

Buoyed by the late first-half comeback Crosfields reduced the arrears to 12-20 within 5 minutes of the restart when Williams crossed for a try he improved himself.

Undaunted, Wath Brow upped the tempo and applied increased pressure through the combined strength and power of Scott Teare and Ian Rooney, while loose-forward Carl Rudd was proving an increasing problem for the home side. He made good runs, he brought people into the game, he chased people, he was fearless and he grabbed a great try.

Teare, Hornets choice of Man-of-the-match powered over for a try on 55 minutes and when centre Andrew Stables followed the same rout two minutes later, both improved by Curwen, they were well on their way to the second round draw.

The outstanding Teare crossed for his second score of the game on 78 minutes and the victory was rounded off with a well deserved try from skipper Rooney in the closing stages.

BRAVEHEARTS Kells travelled to East Hull with eight regulars missing and put up a magnificent performance before succumbing 23-14 to the Yorkshire Premier League leaders.

Easts took the lead after 9 minutes when John McCracken dived over following a smart kick through from Lee Brown.

Kells dug deep in a unified team effort and reduced the gap to two points when Dean Bragg knocked over a penalty.

Both Bragg and Dexter Miller continued to sting the home side as they did their best to ignite a Kells attack.

However, Kells fell further behind midway through the first-half when a great break from Hull's Gary Weymes, saw Gary Blanchard take the pass to go in under the posts for a try he converted himself.

Kells fought back in tenacious fashion and sustained pressure in the final quarter of the half was rewarded with a fine try from second-rower Miller. Bragg's conversion left the visitors only two points adrift at the interval.

Kells came out of the blocks like demons at the start of the second-half and pinned the home side back, forcing a number of errors in the first five minutes. And it was no more than they deserved when winger Scott Kirkbride won the chase to the line following a long kick through to score in the corner. Bragg's touchline conversion edged the Copeland side 14-10 ahead.

East Hull, sparked back into action by the Kells effort, drew level when a speculative up and under from Mark Moore was gathered by Jason Abdul. Blanchard's attempted conversion hit the upright and the tie was in the balance going into the last quarter.

The decisive score came after good work from East's forwards Brown and Lee Raspin put hooker Gary Weymes over for a try. Blanchard's conversion gave the Humbersiders a six point lead and when that was stretched to seven through a drop goal from substitute Kirk Netherton 5 minutes from the end, Kells brave effort was to go unrewarded.

ELLENBOROUGH Rangers turned up the heat in quagmire conditions to inflict a crushing 36-1 knock-out to their Pennine League hosts York Groves.

Prop forward Kevin Clark was the official choice as Man-of-the-match, but it must have been a close call with a clutch of top performances throughout the Ellenborough team.

Centre Mark Tubman proved more than an handful for the home defence while Eddie Robinson was again sublime at loose-forward. Even allowing for the quality of his support, Robinson looked a class act from bootlace to mouth-guard.

Philip Hoyles and Phil Brown were also prominent and showed they can be as effective without the ball as they are with it.

Rangers suffered an early set-back when influential forward Ryan Charters was forced to retire with a knee injury.

The breakthrough, when it came, was worth waiting for as scrum-half Brown, with a splendid in-and-away to beat his man, scored the first of Elbra's seven tries on 24 minutes.

On a roll, Ellenborough extended their lead three minutes later through stand-off Phil Hoyles who strode through for an unconverted score.

Robinson stretched the lead to 14-0 when he crossed on the half-hour, and made amends for two earlier unsuccessful conversion attempts by adding the goal.

York Acorn's only score of the game came shortly before the interval with a field-goal.

There was plenty of commitment and courage from the home team, but little resistance, and when Tubman ambled over for the first of his two strikes 7 minutes into the second-half, Acorn all but conceded.

Full-back Paul Gorge plunged over on 57 minutes and was followed in quick succession by Tubman's second score on the hour and second-rower Jason Moore with the last try of the game on 65 minutes. Robinson added the extras to all three.

Careless finishing cost Elbra at least three more tries, but on a day when the Maryport side were in complete control of their own destiny, the missed opportunities were of little consequence.

GLASSON Rangers suffered the heartbreak of going out of the competition 12-16 to National Conference Division Two outfit York Acorn by virtue of the 'golden point' rule.

Rangers harried and hustled their opponents to distraction, chasing in packs and never letting them settle for too long.

Agonisingly, Glasson were cruelly undone by a laser-like strike from Acorn's John Walden deep into the third period of extra-time, when the scrum-half went 60 metres for the match winning touchdown.

The York side took the lead after 16 minutes through a penalty from loose-forward Lee Frank, awarded when glasson were caught holding down at play the ball.

Glasson proceeded to dominate the remainder of the first half, but were constantly repelled. Acorn's nerves jangled on more than one occasion, but a combination of tough tackling and fervent prayer ensured they held on to that slender 2-0 advantage at the break.

Six minutes after the restart Glasson were in front, a probing surge from former Workington Town prop Gary Nixon put Barry Goodfellow over for the opening try of the game.

Glasson were looking good value for their lead and hopes of victory increased when a break by winger Ryan Scotter after 52 minutes released the lethal Greg Rowley to cross for an unconverted try.

The signs of a team accomplished in pressure football were there for all to see and the visitors mounted a reply which brought fruition 5 minutes later when impressive prop Paul Dodsworth crossed to reduce the deficit to 8-6.

Successful penalties by Acorn's Frank on 70 and 79 minutes - both awarded for play the ball interference, looked to have swung the tie the visitors way. But a reciprocal penalty from Steve Maguire in the final minute took the game into extra-time.

A high tackle ten minutes into the extra period presented Maguire with the opportunity of pushing the host in front again. But ball-stealing near their own line three minutes later gave Frank the easiest of chances to level matters.

The game then entered sudden death with the first score of any kind deciding the outcome. The decisive score came six minutes into the third period of added time through Acorn scrum-half John Walden who raced 60 metres to end a gallant Glasson effort.

Rangers secretary Robert Burns was disappointed with result but not the performance. "It was a very hard, physical and enjoyable game. Our best all-round team performance for weeks, he said.

"In the end I thought we had done enough to win it. We dominated for long spells but couldn't convert pressure into points.

"But we competed all the way against a good Conference side and can take a lot of pride from the way we played."

EARLY butterflies in the stomach turned to giant wings as Westfield fought back magnificently from an early eight point deficit in a thoroughly competitive encounter at Moss Bay.

Westfield were finally denied a place in the second round when a late strike by visitors Charleston Knights gave them a 12-16 winning margin.

Westfield had started very loosely and looked vulnerable up the middle as the Hull and District side began aggressively and raced to an eight point lead through a try and two goals from Lee Jackson.

The direct running of centre Lee Hunter eventually steadied early Wests indecision. Every time he received the ball there was discernible concern in the ranks of the visiting rearguard. And with a little bit of luck the youngster could have grabbed a couple of tries.

However, it was a try from second-rower David Goulding and two Mark Rooke goals which drew Westfield level at the break.

Charleston, pulled away shortly after half-time when Mark Hewitt and Jackson combined to send Alec Hard in for a try, but were pinned back to 12-all when winger Wayne Brash crashed over for the home side.

It could have got even better when coach Graeme McKenzie bustled over, but the joy was short lived when he was adjudged to have knocked-on.

With the clock showing less than two minutes remaining Charleston booked their place in round two when winger Paul Wildridge scored wide out on the right.

ST. NICHOLAS booked their place in round two after a hard earned 29-18 win against Pennine League Division One side Brighouse Rangers.

Nichs coach Geoff Greaves moved Craig Stalker to loose-forward and the inspired switch paid rich dividends with a two try return as Saints built up a 21-14 first-half lead.

Brighouse had the best possible start with an early try from Gary Proctor, but Stalker replied with the first of his two tries and Andy Sawyers conversion gave Nichs a lead they never lost.

Centre Sawyers turned try scorer to stretch the home sides' advantage 12 points and also tagged on the goal.

A second touchdown from Stalker, again improved by Sawyers and a drop-goal from scrum-half Mike Marsden completed the opening half scoring for the hosts, while Mark Horne and a second from Proctor, improved by Chris Gregg, replied for Brighouse.

The visitors mounted a strong second-half challenge but were met with some stout defending by Nichs and could add only one more try through Gregg.

Substitute forward Terry Glencross and centre Martin Stalker crossed for Nichs in the final quarter to cap a fine performance.

St. Nicholas chairman Craig McCulloch was obviously very happy with the result. "Our defence won it for us inn the end, he said.

"Brighouse came back strongly in the second-half and we had to defend stoutly to protect our lead.

"There was outstanding contributions from 'old warhorse' Tony Scott and Richard Nicholson, to embellish what in essence was a very good team performance."

THE Cumbrian derby unfolded as expected with Egremont Rangers progressing to the second round at the expense of Salterbeck Storm.

Perhaps the intensity and discipline wasn't of the usual Cumberland League standard, but the tries and ball movement was exquisite as Egremont ran in eight tries for a 42-6 victory.

Salterbeck's dreams of National Cup progress ebbed away honorably, if rather tamely, at the hands of a Rangers side in top form, and a serious injury to forward Tom Ireland compounded the comprehensive defeat.

Egremont's tries came through Andrew Little two, while there was one apiece from Steven Morris, Daniel Whalley, Sean Agnew, Steve Long, Kevin Brown and Mark Chorley. Darren Block landed five goals.

Salterbeck replied through a try from prop Michael Kelly and a Eugene McNicholas goal.

WIGTON completely out-gunned Batley Boys to record the most popular victory of the day.

The east-Cumbrian's dominated the first session, rattling up a 13-2 advantage. And when centre Chris Smith crossed during the second forty minutes Wigton had notched their first win of the season.

Stand-off Justin Bennett who maintained a powerful presence throughout, signalled their intentions with a commanding performance that yielded a classic try, two conversions and a field-goal. Winger Paul Southward crossed for the remaining touchdown.

Wigton's recent performances have brought praise from all-quarters, and for once their effort was rewarded.

Secretary Ronnie Teasdale said: "This win has done us the power of good and there are a few more smiles than usual.

"Somebody told me recently that losing, like winning, becomes a habit. Let's hope this result gets us into that winning habit.

"It's been a while coming, but we are enjoying the moment."

TWO tries in a six minute spell by Blackbrook stand-off Paul Toole finally killed off Hensingham's genuine hopes of a prolonged National Cup run.

Until the half-back struck with tries after 52 and 58 minutes the Richmond side had matched everything the St. Helens side could produce.

Man-of-the match Neil Waddington and half-back partner Carl Hewer had been equal to their Mersyside counterparts. But Toole's purple patch just before the hour swung the game for the home outfit.

Centre Steve Woods gave Blackbrook the lead after 37 minutes when he hared through a gap in the Hensingham defence to cross at the corner. Toole missed the touchline kick.

Toole gave the hosts an eight points cushion after 52 minutes with a try he again failed to improve.

A penalty awarded on 55 minutes in front of the posts was gratefully accepted by Waddington, and just when things looked like they might be improving, Toole delivered his second blow with a try at the side of the posts. His conversion success nudged the margin to 16-2.

Substitute hooker Ian Williams ensured the home sides' inclusion in the second round draw with a try wide out in the 70th minute. Toole added the goal and Blackbrook played down the clock for the remaining ten minutes for an 20-2 scoreline, in a match that never reached any great heights as a spectacle.

ONLY occasionally has the old sporting cliche 'game of two halves' been more appropriate.

Broughton Red Rose were rewarded for their positive and energetic start at Hull Dockers and deservedly lead 14-0 at the break.

Inexplicabley, the second period was a complete reversal and Rose leaked 22 points without reply.

In the final analysis Red Rose paid a heavy price for a succession of handling errors and some controversial decisions highlighted by both camps.

Broughton secretary Peter Byrom said: "There was a number of decisions which went against us when the referees view was obstructed.

"They were pretty clear-cut from a different angle and supported by Dockers officials.

"But its all part of the game and we accept them in that light.

"We had the game won at half-time and are very disappointed to be out of the competition at the first hurdle.

"We still have a lot to play for in the remaining weeks of the season and will be looking for some tangible reward come the end of March."

The Papcastle Road side took an 11th minute lead through stand-off Gareth Skillen. And it was Skillen again who was on hand to cross after 31 minutes, his conversion gave his side a healthy looking 10-0 advantage.

It got even better just before the break when centre Ryan Moore burst through for an unconverted try.

It was a devastating Hull side who emerged after the half-time recess and they proved relentless in their quest to spring a surprise. It took them just five minutes to claw their way back into the game when Carl Towle ripped through a tiring Rose rearguard.

As the vistors line was displaying worrying signs of collapse under intense pressure, Willie Young scrambled over for a try after 55 minutes. Chris Stevenson's conversion brought the score back to 14-10 and it was game on.

Ten minutes later and the comeback was complete with Stevenson slipping past three defenders to equalise. His conversion pushed Dockers in front for the first time in the game.

That was the launchpad for Dockers to sweep downfield again in a frenzied attempt to put the tie out of Red Roses' grasp, and with 5 minutes still to play Graham Mallinson skated through to plant the ball behind the line. Stevenson tagged on the goal to complete one of the most remarkable turn-arounds in National Cup history.

SEATON Rangers and Rochdale Mayfield staged a gripping cup-tie before the North West Counties side secured a 28-6 victory.

Rangers without the unavailable Colin Armstrong and injury-hit Martin Wilson, produced a display full of promise but still couldn't find the win against a side containing eight ex-professionals - including former Fulham, Leigh and Swinton scrum-half Chris Wilkinson.

Finely balanced at 10-6 in Mayfield's favour at the interval, the hosts had enough in reserve to eventually prevail 28-6.

Dean Hartley put the Rochdale outfit ahead after 10 minutes, but Seaton stormed back to take the lead 8 minutes later through a try from full-back Mike Taylor, converted by Duncan Moyle.

Seaton had plenty to offer in attack and had certain tries wiped off for forward passes. But gradually, Wilkinson, who picked up the Man-of-the-match award started to take charge and was involved in putting former Workington Town centre Jason Green over for a try on 20 minutes, before adding the conversion.

Trailing by just four points at the break, Seaton had every reason to feel optimistic with loose-forward Daniel Gilmour, Prop Mike Melville and Taylor all producing fine performances.

However, Seaton knocked-on straight from the second-half kick-off, and from the resultant scrum Ian Albertson crossed for a deflating touchdown, again goaled by Wilkinson. And when former BARLA tourist Karl Platt forced his way over on 52 minutes there was no way back. Wilkinson kicked the goal for a 22-6 advantage.

Lee Durant crossed for the last try of the game with three minutes remaining. Wilkinson again landed the goal.

Seaton secretary David Steele said: "Mayfield are a big physical, well-drilled team, brim full of experience.

"Chris Wilkinson was the major difference between the two teams. Everything stemmed from him.

"I thought we played very well overall and only a couple of individual errors turned the game."

PENRITH crashed out of the National Cup when a point a minute first half by Askham proved their undoing.

There was to be no repeat of the their 42-18 Cumbria Cup victory as the Fallowfield Park outfit piled on 74 points without reply.

Scrum-half Paul Jones led the onslaught with four tries - the first after just 44 seconds and was followed over Penrith's line at regular intervals by Mike Bolton, two, Mike Wilson, Mark Lang, Neil Atkinson, Steve Porter, Carl Regan, Gary Dixon and Chris Thompson. Atkinson landed seven conversions.

Penrith, who showed eleven changes from the published teamsheet were well served by stand-off Stuart Knubley and loose-forward Ian Armstrong, who tackled and prompted ceaselessly.

Great Clifton Lions and Lowca both suffered defeat at the hands of Yorkshire opponents. The Lions home advantage over Yorkshire Premier League club Dewsbury Celtic proved to no avail as the visitors romped home 40-0.

Coasting 22-0 at the half-way stage, Celtic scored tries through Frazer Bowman and Dean Ellis who each crossed twice, while their was one apiece from Phil Khan, Richard Tillotson, Danny Pepper and Mark Poutney. Shane Hussain landed 5 goals.

LOWCA'S trip to Pudsey ended in a 36-6 defeat. Phil Anderson scored Lowca's try with Lee Weighman adding the goal.

A FEW short weeks ago a clash between Distington and Flimby looked inconceivable as both sides wrestled with the threat of extinction.

The fact that they opposed each other in a keenly fought second division encounter was a reflection of their desire to stay afloat and a victory for rugby league in Cumbria.

Flimby with new signing Andrew Pearce from Maryport making his debut at full-back, began in a positive manner and in scrum-half Gary Hine had a tormentor in chief who caused countless problems with pace and guile.

Distington looked a little tentative early on and their defensive frailties were quickly apparent as Flimby ran-in two quick fire tries.

Ahead 20-0 at the break, Flimby proceeded to rack-up nine tries through centres Ian Farrell, two, and Peter Dover, with other touchdowns coming from wingers Dean Smith and Tony McKay and a further two from Hine who also landed a goal. Pearce completed the Flimby scoring with two conversions.

Distington scored a consolation try from Edwin Dockray, converted by Ryan Worthington.

Flimby spokesman John Hodgson was delighted with the clubs' first win of the season and full of praise for opponents Distington. "The game was a credit to both teams and extremely well refereed by Lee Skelton, he said.

"The problems experienced and overcome by both teams this season has been enormous and it was one of those occasions when the game of amateur rugby league was the outright winner."