October 6, 2001

By Steve Coulter

FOR the second time this season, the whole of the Cumberland League programme was preceded by uniformed silence.

On this occasion the silent tribute was observed as a mark of respect for legendary Workington Town, Cumberland and Great Britain forward Brian Edgar, who passed-away on Thursday.

Feared in two hemispheres as a ball-playing forward Edgar appeared twice for Workington Town in Wembley Challenge Cup Finals, and made three consecutive Australian Tours between 1958 and 1966.

There had been some hasty fixture reshuffling and early kick-off times ahead of England's World Cup soccer confrontation with Greece, and the action which followed proved no less dramatic than that witnessed at Old Trafford.

IN simply dreadful conditions on Friday evening, Egremont Rangers' misery continued with a 4-20 reversal against an Ellenborough side looking to make amends for a below par performance against Wath Brow six days earlier.

In Eddie Robinson, the visitors had the most impressive player on view, his forceful running, thoughtful off-loads in traffic and tireless defence spearheaded the the Solway Park outfit to victory.

Egremont, however, had the first opportunity to take the lead in the thirteenth minute when a Graeme Colley penalty attempt was blown woefully wide by a strong wind.

Ellenborough hit back immediately and should have taken the lead in the eighteenth minute when Neil Humes knocked-on with the line at his mercy.

Territorially, Egremont were having the better of the early exchanges but Ellenborough gradually emerged as the team most likely to create an opening, and indeed, took the lead after thirty-three minutes when prop-forward Simeon Gilmour went in for an unconverted try to give the Allerdale side a 4-0 interval lead.

Playing down the slope in the second-half Ellenborough kicked intelligently, a ploy which trapped Egremont in their own half for long periods.

The tactic paid dividends after 47 minutes when player-coach Jonty Gorley went in for a try from acting half-back.

Egremont rallied, and reduced the arrears within three minutes through Mark Beckwith, who followed up his own grubber kick to touchdown.

It was still anybody's game at this point, however, on sixty-four minutes Ellenborough kept the ball alive in a sweeping movement and had the enterprising Jason Moore finishing in great style. Paul McGee added the goal.

The game erupted in the sixty-sixth minute when Ellenborough's Simeon Gilmour - who had just returned to the field after spending time in the bin - was dismissed by Referee Gordon Wallace for a head-but on Kevin Cant.

It was a shame that such an unsavory incident should mar a game that had in the main, been played in true spirit.

Down to twelve-men, Ellenborough closed ranks and contained Egremont's efforts to exploit their numerical advantage.

McGee was on hand to clinch the match on seventy-seven minutes. Ellenborough, defying the worsening conditions with some fine handling to send the former Great Britain International over the line for a try which he converted.

Egremont spokesman Stephen Bowes felt the scoreline didn't reflect the enormous defensive stint Egremont put-in.

"Perhaps the deciding factor was Eddie Robinson, he ran the show for Ellenborough and on the night Egremont had no one to match his guile.

"On the positive side, there was big contributions from centre's Graeme Colley and Andy Little," he said.

HENSINGHAM took the win and St. Nicholas the plaudits after this pulsating First Division showdown at Gilford Park.

The visitors, desperate to get some stability back into a season that had promised so much, ran-out 26-18 winners with a power-packed performance which brought a victory that was even more comprehensive than the scoreline suggests.

Ahead 10-6 at the break, Hensingham had looked good value for the lead against a stubborn Nichs side for whom Mike Marsden gave his usual solid performance, and a terrific defensive stint from James McAteer.

A super two try haul from the ever-alert Glyn Hyslop, and one apiece from Graham Broatch and the superb Carl Hewer, proved sufficient to secure a morale boosting victory. The 'golden' boot of Youth International Craig McAvoy compounded Nichs fate with five goals.

Saints replied with excellent touchdowns from Craig Sawyers, Spencer Sharpley and consistent ex-Workington Town professional Craig Stalker. Andrew Sawyers landed three goals.

IN the clash of the Rangers, it was the maroon and yellow of Seaton that came out on top 26-22, in a fabulous game of Rugby League, to continue their run of stunning victories.

Glasson, on a high after last week's win over Egremont Rangers played a full part in the spectacle and can count themselves unfortunate to come away empty handed.

Seaton hit the front with an early try from ex-Flimby star, Ian Tinnion. Rod Turnbull converting.

Turnbull turned try scorer to extend Seaton's advantage, and when he added the goal the hosts threatened an avalanche.

But with the steadying influence of the vastly experienced ex-Workington Town and Whitehaven professional Steve Maguire, displaying his full repertoire of skills, the visitors clawed their way back into contention.

BARLA International, Greg Rowley reduced the deficit with a classy touchdown, which he quickly turned into six points by adding the conversion.

With confidence growing, Glasson piled on the pressure and with Seaton visibly shaken by the comeback, Richard McAvoy slid over for an unconverted try.

Try scorer supreme, Les Smallwood, the former Pack Horse points machine, restored the hosts six points cushion with a typical predatory try.

Maguire had the final say of a thunderous first forty minutes with his first try of the season. Rowley goaled, to send the teams in at the break all square 16-16.

Glasson edged in front on the resumption for the first time in the game through the powerful Ryan Ivison. Rowley added the extras.

A typical Mike Melville score, converted by Turnbull guaranteed a grandstand finish, and with the destination of the two points in the balance it fell to the home sides' Martin Wilson to put the game out of Glasson's reach with the crucial final try.

WATH Brow Hornets made it six wins on the trot with an almost effortless 58-4 cruise against Kells.

Trailing 34-0 at the break, Kells found bravery and effort were insufficient against the champions pace and expertise.

Luck seem to desert the visitors on an afternoon dominated by the home side, and all they had to to show for their labours was a solitary try from Phil Walker.

The game was keenly fought and had a fair share of casualties. Kells' Paul Seager appeared to suffer a serious leg injury and was taken to hospital; while Hornets' Paul Davidson and David Currie received significant facial injuries.

Brow accumulated twelve tries on their way to a 54-4 victory, the elegant and potent Gary Clarke led the way with a superbly taken hat-trick, Craig Calvert, Carl Rudd and Gary Elliot shared six, while there was one each from Ian Rooney, Mark Troughton, and Craig Johnstone. Rudd landed three goals, with Johnstone contributing two.

Referee Gareth Hewer, who had to produce the red card for Kells' Gary Scowcroft, was hailed for his excellent control of the game.

WESTFIELD retained their unbeaten home record with a deserved 36-23 win against a spirited Wigton.

They didn't have it all their own way though, and it took a second half fightback by the Mossbay outfit to emerged victorious after Wigton had threatened to upset the form book.

The North Cumbrian's were well worth their 19-12 interval lead, and looked a much better side than their lowly League position indicates.

Tries from Paul Wiggins, Chris Smith, Steve Carruthers, and Andrew Logue. Plus three conversions and a field-goal from sure footed Justin Bennett, represented a massive boost to morale, and something they can build-on.

Westfield prevailed through touchdowns from ex-Lowca and Flimby poacher, Brett Smith, two, Wayne Brash, Gary Pattinson and Steve Clifton. Mark Rooke weighed in with six goals.

Well known Brewery Rep and Westfield supporter Barry Williamson took time out after the game to ring the League and add his voice to the growing approval of refereeing standards in the county.

"I have just witnessed one of the best refereeing performances for some considerable time.

"Neil Byers was outstanding from first to last whistle, and I made a point of telling him so after the game.

"I don't think anyone present at the match had one complaint, and that's unusual in itself.

"We are all guilty of castigating referees, so its only right when you see a guy on top of his game to see he gets due credit." he said.

BROUGHTON Red Rose won the Second Division top of the table clash 13-4 against Wath Brow 'A' with style and panache.

The Rose defence was superb, and not only their front line defence, they were scrambling particularly well and kept their line intact on more than one occasion.

But with chances at a premium, the hosts always looked more dangerous on attack and in the end a combination of greater power, pace, solid defence and the intuitive ability to keep the ball moving won the match.

A single try from Red Rose skipper Steve Brough separated the teams at the break, but a further touchdown from David Thurlow, who also kicked two goals, and a one pointer from Dale Semple, were enough in the end to take the Papcastle Road oufit back to the top of the section.

It was a mixed afternoon for Semple, who was having the game of his life until a red card for an infringement in the tackle, brought his involvement to an early end.

Gary Brown scored Wath Brow's try.

THE battle of Division Two's lower reaches saw Lowca continue their upturn in fortune with a thirteen try demolition of Distington.

The game was over as a contest long before half-time, when Lowca led 46-0.

There was no respite either in the second period, Lowca posting a further twenty-eight unanswered points to record the biggest win of the day 74-0.

Gary Haile and Lee Allen both crossed four times, Grant Porter grabbed a brace and their was one apiece from Richard Hill, Graham Lowrey and Carl Ennis. Lee Weighman kicked eleven goals from thirteen attempts.

SALTERBECK returned to winning ways against luckless Clifton and ran out worthy 48-10 winners.

Any thoughts Great Clifton had of taking anything from this Second Division fixture evaporated in a twenty-minute spell in the second half.

The Lions never looked capable of saving the game after that and finished second best.

Clifton were in with a shout at half-time when tries from Ricky Bates and Paul Hughes left them only four points adrift at 12-8.

But Storm, reduced to twelve-men after Shaun Blaney was sent-off, were more determined on the day, and two tries each for captain, Paul Hodgson, Andy Fearon, Eugene McNicholas and Mark Gunning, plus one from Richard Telford, eased Salterbeck to a comfortable victory. Vince McNicholas landed six goals.

Great Clifton's only score in the second-half came when Wayne Walker slotted over a penalty.

CHAMPIONSHIP favourites Kells 'A' kept up the pressure at the top of the Alliance with a workmanlike 38-10 victory against Egremont 'A.'

There were two try performances from Steve Mattinson, Darren Wilson and Kevin McNamarra, while Shaun High and Patrick Carteon also crossed the visitors line. Scott Kenmare kicked two goals and Tony Knowles landed one.

Egremont 'A' replied with tries from Warren Stainton and Andrew Hinde. Stainton also added a goal.

ALLIANCE League leaders Hensingham 'A' did their Championship aspirations no harm with a blistering 70-0 victory over St. Nicholas 'A.'

Star of the afternoon was David Armstrong, who swept in for five of Hensigham's fourteen tries. Richard Todd and Neil Starkey both helped themselves to braces and their was one apiece from Andrew Pattinson, Alan Morgan, Mark Miller, Stuart Seager and David Thomas. Dean Laverick landed seven goals.

THE chronic shortage of match officials - a constant headache to Appointments Officer Peter Gaston - claimed its first victim of the season with the cancellation of the Second Division fixture between Penrith and Maryport.

Glasson Rangers 'A' failed to raise a team for their Alliance fixture with Seaton, while Westfield 'A' face expulsion after failing to fulfil their fixture for the third successive week.