HOME | NEWS | GALLERY | TABLES | REVIEW | CUPS | RESULTS | OFFICIALS | HISTORY | LEGENDS | ACTION | MATCH REPORTS | LINKS | AWARDS |

BROUGHTON RED ROSE
Founded: 1965
Ground: Papcastle Road
Colours: Red & White
Coach:
Secretary: P. Byrom
Tel: Day 01900 826750 Night 01900 813214
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Steven Brough 6
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Gareth Skillen 13
Leading Player 2000-2001: Robert Taylor

* HISTORY: The original Broughton Red Rose club was in fact a soccer side, but after a decade of struggling, changed to Rugby League. The current club was formed by the village vicar and when he moved on, was continued by club treasurer Billy Armstrong and a group of friends.

The club progressed and became the first side to win the Cumberland Cup in three successive years - 1985, 1986 and 1987. They beat Wath Brow Hornets 12-10 in the 1997 League Championship trophy final, only to be stripped of the title by the management committee.

The Rose has produced many players who have gone on to grace the professional game, notably, Les Gorley (Widnes and Gt. Britain), and brother Peter (St. Helens and Gt. Britain).


DISTINGTON
Founded: 1984
Ground: Grass Road
Colours: Navy & Red
Coach: Gary Hewer
Secretary:Frank Hewer
Tel:01946 832956
Club: 01946 830124
EMail Distington ARLFC
Postal Address: 89 Hinnings Road
Distington
CA14 5U2
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Trevor Dryden 5
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Gary Hewer 10
Leading Player 2000-2001: Ian Dryden

* HISTORY: Not a club who have contested the major finals, but spent a period in the top flight before dropping back to the second division. Former Workington Town, Whitehaven and Gt. Britain star Phil Kitchin along with the legendary Cumberland, Workington Town and Whitehaven scrum-half 'Sol' Roper are probably the best known personalities to have been associated with the club in their role as coach, and followed more recently by ex-Barrow, Whitehaven and BARLA international Gary Hewer.


EGREMONT RANGERS
Founded: 1901
Ground: Gilfoot Park
Colours: Royal Blue & White
Coach: Dave Richardson
Secretary: I. Hartley
Tel: 01946 821269
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: John Routledge 19
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Darren Block 61
Leading Player 2000-2001: Paul Telford

* HISTORY: Arguably one of the most forward thinking clubs since its inception in 1900.

Egremont evolved out of the ashes of the old Egremont Rugby Union club which folded in 1896, and set up home at The Holmes, situated at the top end of East Road.

Even from their earliest days, they boasted some talented players - none finer than the legendary Billy Ward.

Billy played previously with the Whitehaven club before linking up with Egremont and it was from there that he moved to Leeds in 1909, and to this day is regarded as one of the 'Loiners' finest loose-forwards.

Leeds had fantastic service from Ward, and he spent 16 seasons at Headingley before leaving for York.

He was a sensation from the beginning. At the conclusion of his first season, he was selected for the inaugural Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1910, winning Test status against the Australians.

His last game for Egremont - the 1909 Cumberland Cup Final - caused something of a rumpus. Egremont won the cup, but opponents Brookland Rovers protested that Ward had already signed for Leeds and was inilegible. The Cumberland League duly ordered a replay which Egremont won again - minus Ward.

However, while Ward enjoyed tremendous success, Egremont experienced mixed fortunes and by 1922 the club decided to move to Bleach Green.

Even darker days lay ahead when in the mid-1920s the club briefly folded due to a debt of 14.

The second European War led to suspension to rugby action, but when hostilities ceased the club returned under the guidance of mining engineer and ex-Askham full-back David McGivern.

Rangers moved to its present home at Gillfoot Park in 1945, the year two former Egremont players, Dennis Cavanagh and Hedley Rogers, became part of Workington Town's initial squad.

The 50s, under McGiven, were Egremont's halcyon period and he led them to the Championship in 1951, the double in season 1954-55, and three succesive Cumberland Cup victories was wrapped up with further successes in 1956 and 1957, at a time when the club supplied a seemingly never ending stream of internationals.

But a slump in the early 60s saw the open-age side disbanded, but the club continued playing in both under-17 and under-19 competitions, and when conditions improved a couple of years later the open-age section was reformed under former Barrow and Cumberland stalwart Don Wilson.

Again the club enjoyed a successful run including another Cumberland Cup winning campaign.

Former Workington Town and Whitehaven favourite Syd Lowden followed Wilson and he was succeeded by Sol Roper.

The club made steady progress and in 1973 recorded it finest achievement up to that time when they lifted the Lancashire/Cumbria Cup, beating Oldham side Waterhead in their own backyard at the Watersheddings.

Things got even better, and in 1983-84, reached the semi-final of the National Cup, and repeated the feat the following year.

That particular side spawned a host of professionals - Dave Richardson went to Barrow, Gary Smith joined Workington Town, while David Lightfoot, Stephen Burney and Mark Beckwith all signed for Whitehaven.

In 1986 Rangers took a revolutionary step, becoming one of the ten founder members of BARLA's flagship National League.

Two years later the National League Cup came back to Egremont after a thrilling 2-0 victory Wigan St. Patrick's.

Ian Hartley took over the coaching reins at the start of 1989-90, with John Brocklebank an inspirational on field general, and the club entered a new decade in the best possible way by the lifting of the BNFL National Cup with an 11-4 victory at Knowsley Road, over Saddleworth Rangers.

Brocklebank capped a fine season by being named British Amateur Rugby League Association Player of the year.

By 1997, things again took a downward turn when the club finished bottom of the Conference Premier Division, only to escape the drop when new clubs entered the competition.

Twelve months later, with the addition of half a dozen new faces, including Brocklebank as player coach Egremont landed The National League Championship.

Perhaps the highlight of Egremont's history came in 1998, when toppling the professionals of Workington Town 18-0 in the Silk Cut Challenge up.

Re-joined the Cumberland League at the start of 1999-2000 and reached three major finals during 2000-01 - Cumbria Cup, Cumberland Cup and Amateur Cup - losing on each occasion to the holders Wath Brow Hornets.


ELLENBOROUGH RANGERS
Founded: 1969
Ground: Milltofts
Colours: Blue & White
Coach: Jonty Gorley
Secretary: J. Banks
Tel: 01900 816585
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Jason Moore 14
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Paul McGee 36
Leading Player 2000-2001: Jason Moore

* HISTORY: The driving force behind the birth of the club was the late, Mrs A. Maguire, landlady of the village's popular watering hole - The Crown. However, a committee was duly appointed and the new clubs first coach was former Whitehaven professional Tom Short. Not surprisingly, the new club needed time to find its feet and lean years were experienced during the first decade of its existence.

It wasn't until 1978 that the club gained any tangible rewards for its efforts - winning its first trophy, the Cumberland Cup by beating Egremont Rangers 21-15 at Kells. It was Kells in fact denied Ellenborough a 'double' when the Copeland side defeated them 12-4 in the Amateur Cup Final. It was around this time that a number of Elbra players started catching the eye of the international selectors and it was no surprise when one of them - Colin Porthouse - became the clubs first ever BARLA tourist.

The following season 1978-79, Rangers were again denied winners medals in the final of the Amateur Cup, suffering a 30-0 defeat again by Kells. Silverware was however captured in the shape of the Top-Four Championship trophy with a 14-0 victory over a powerful Lowca outfit. A succession of well known coaches have held the reins at Elbra, including: 'Smiler' Allen, Jackie Newell, John Shimmings, Dave Courty and Kevin Gartland with varying degrees of success.

The club then began a downward spiral with the only bright spot being Alan Carter's selection for the Gt. Britain side to tour Papua New Guinea. The clubs' Youth programme was implemented in 1983, the same year which the club hit rock-bottom and suffered relegation to the Second Division - registering just two victories all season. They bounced straight back at the end of the following season when they finished runners-up behind Lowca and lost in the top-four play-off final to the same side 12-8.

The League Championship was secured for the first time in 1991, which sparked the club's roller-coaster ride of success. During that time every honour available found its way into the Ellenborough trophy cabinet, culminating in the 1997 BNFL National Cup success and the prized scalps of professional clubs Bramley and Hunslet during a glorious flirtation with the Silk Cut Challenge Cup.
The break-up of that side required a major re-building process to be undertaken and under coach Jonty Gorley the club reached the 2000-2001 Championship Final, losing to Wath Brow Hornets.


FLIMBY
Founded: 1984
Ground: Main Road
Colours: Red & White
Secretary: T. Nisbit
Tel: 01900 813395
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Brett Smith 8
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Brett Smith 13
Leading Player 2000-2001: Gary Southwell

* HISTORY: Flimby is at the centre of the West Cumbrian Rugby League triangle. Through its predecessors the Flimby and Fothergill and Risehow and Gillhead sides the village has made a massive contribution to Cumbrian Rugby League and the present club continues that proud history. The clubs' last silverware was won in season 1997-98 when they clinched the Second Division Championship and the 'A' team won the Division Four Championship Final 31-12 against Great Clifton Lions.


GLASSON RANGERS
Founded: 1912
Ground: Netherhall
Colours: Blue & Red
Coach: Mike Easterbrook
Secretary: R. Burns
Tel: 01900 814109
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Mark Smith 14
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Mark Smith 38
Leading Player 2000-2001: Mark Smith

* HISTORY: Since its formation Rangers have been traditionally one of the most powerful clubs in the entire County, although at present the club plays Second Division rugby.

In one glorious season the club won all four major trophies, and have twice appeared in the Rugby League Challenge Cup - 1913-14 when they lost 45-0 to York, and again in 1969-70 when they lost 22-4 to Doncaster. All the top honours have found their way to the Glasson clubhouse at various times including the 1970-71 Cumberland Cup, the 1981-82 CARL Championship Final trophy, and the 1990-91 Amateur Cup.

Topped Division Three at the end of 2000-20001, but had to be satisfied with runners-up medals in the Divisional Championship Final - going down narrowly to Wigton.


GREAT CLIFTON LIONS
Founded: 1973
Ground: William Street
Colours: Green & Gold
Coach: Barry Maxwell
Secretary: M. Jones
Tel: 01900 64454
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Gary Mewse & Peter Watson 5
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Wayne Walker 11
Leading Player 2000-2001: John Gaston

* HISTORY: The Lions were re-formed in 1973, but unlike former teams in the village, failed to make much of an impression during the initial years of their existence. The Clifton sides of 1929 and 1931 had qualified for the first round of the Rugby League Challenge Cup, the team of '29 only losing to Keighley by the odd point in eleven. However, things changed for the better when the present club acquired its own clubhouse and ground - winning the CARL Championship in season 1983-84, and finishing runners-up in the Championship Final play-off and Cumberland Cup Finals, losing to Egremont Rangers on both occasions. Now in the Second Division the club have attained some successes in recent seasons, notably winning the Dale Campbell-Savours Cup in 1991-92. Professional players to have been weaned at Clifton include, Tyson Burridge, Billy Little. Dick Carruthers, Jack Barker and in more recent times the Workington Town trio of Colin Falcon, Paul Penrice, and Peter Riley.


HENSINGHAM
Founded: 1905
Ground: Richmond Hill
Colours: Red & White
Coach: Trevor Laverick
Secretary: N. McAvoy
Tel: 01946 67235
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Craig McAvoy 18
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Craig McAvoy 59
Leading Player 2000-2001: Craig McAvoy

* HISTORY: The history of Hensingham is long, proud and successful. Their presence in rugby circles being unbroken for almost a century - since 1905 in fact!

It wasn't until 1920, however, that the club changed it's allegiances to Rugby League and played on a ground approximately 100 yards from its current Cleator Moor Road home.

Through sheer hard work by a host of dedicated Committee members and loyal followers, their present site has been developed over the years and is now the envy of many clubs as being one of the best amateur club facilities in the country.

The club has always invested heavily in a youth programme and in return developed some absolute 'gems' who have gone on to enrich the professional ranks.

The legendary Sol Roper springs readily to mind and followed in subsequent years by the likes of Joe Bonner, Harold Henney, Alan McCurrie, Jimmy Dalton and Vince Gribbin.

Gribbin who left Hensingham for Whitehaven in 1982, still retains the distinction of being the only Cumbrian ever to occupy a centre berth in a professional Gt. Britan Test team.

It's an incredible fact that in the last five years alone Hensingham have earned a reputation of becoming something of a breeding ground for Super League players. No less than ten Hensingham products have played in the top flight during that time - Jon Roper and Steve McCurrie (Warrington), Paul Davidson (Oldham, St. Helens and London Broncos), Howard Hill and Chris McKinney (Oldham), Lee Prest, Craig Murdock and Stephen Holgate (Wigan), Simon Knox (Bradford Bulls) and Lee Smith (Workington Town). In addition Carl Hewer and Graham Lewthwaite 'stayed home' with Whitehaven.

Hensingham have on three occasions progressed to the first round proper of the Rugby League Challenge Cup. In 1923 they met Wakefield Trinity, losing 67-13. Three years later the 'Claret and Gold' of Huddersfield provided the opposition, which the Fartowners duly won 39-1. A third Yorkshire side, Dewsbury were drawn in 1990-91 with the game staged at Workington Town's Derwent Park and despite a magnificent performance Hensingham were beaten 24-7. Another professional club - Hull Kingston Rovers were faced in the Regal Trophy in 1994, the 'Robins' recording a 48-4 success.

While domestically the pendulum of dominance may have swung elsewhere during the past couple of decades. There have still been periods of great success and times when the club have just missed out on the top prizes - both here in the county and nationally.

As the eighties unfolded, Hensingham finished First Division runners-up to Kells and the following season 1982-83, just failed in their attempt to lift the Slalom County Cup - going down 15-11 to the same opponents in a tightly contested final.

1983-84 followed a similar pattern, the club ending their league campaign in third place behind Gt. Clifton and Egremont. The Rangers were also responsible for Hensingham picking up losers medals in the final of the Amateur Cup, courtesy of a 25-13 victory.

Twelve months on and Egremont proved the villains once again, taking the championship ahead of Hensingham by a mere two points. The club however, was laying solid foundations for the future and swept everything before them at Under 13/17 and 19 age levels.

Three years of re-building then commenced, and when season 1988-89 came around Hensingham, under that hugely likeable war-horse Jackie Davidson were ready to mount a serious assault of the championship. The title was won in convincing fashion and the Amateur Cup was added for good measure with a 19-6 final victory against Egremont.

The club beat Millom to lift the Cumbria Cup in 1990-91. Lost out to Kells in the final of the Cumberland Cup and pipped for the title by Ellenborough Rangers.

Arguably, 1992-93 proved the clubs finest season as they fought their way to the National Cup final only to be thwarted on the day by a superb Saddleworth Rangers side.

The semi-finals of the National Cup were reached in 1994-95, when they also missed out on the Cumbria Cup -beaten by Walney Central. Finished top-four runners-up to Elbra after again finishing second in the league. A year of near misses, but one in which one of its finest ever products, Ritchie Todd was voted BARLA Player of the year.

Season 1999-2000 saw the club emerge from a period of hibernation to contest four finals - Cumbria Cup, Cumberland Cup, Amateur Cup and Championship decider - and despite losing the first three to the all powerful Wath Brow Hornets, turned the tables on their near neighbours in the Play-off final.


KELLS
Founded: 1931
Ground: Kells Welfare/Big Waite
Colours: Red & White
Coach: Gary Hetherington
Secretary: R. Lofthouse
Tel: 01946 694754
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Chris Brannon 9
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Paul Graham 28
Leading Player 2000-2001: Chris Brannon

* HISTORY: The current Kells Amateur Rugby League Club can trace its origins back to 1931. Legend has it that the team's after-match washing facilities consisted of buckets of water in the back yard of East Row overlooking the field. These rather spartan arrangements were dramatically improved when the club obtained the use of Haig Pit baths and from that time a bond was secured between club and Mine, which continued unbroken until the closure of the Colliery.

The club made an inauspicious start, and did not achieve any notable successes during the 1930's - in fact the club ceased to function when it was disbanded for the duration of World War one. On the cessation of hostilities, Kells Centre Amateur Rugby League Club was reformed and immediately achieved success. On February 3, 1946 Kells were drawn against the mighty 'wires' of Warrington in a Rugby League Challenge Cup First Round tie. The early rounds in those days were two-legged affairs and in the first match played at the Recreation Ground Kells lost by the narrowest of margins - 3-0. In the return game at Wilderspool they lost the game 27-0, but won the respect of their professional hosts. Featuring in the team of that era were Buchannan and Proud brothers, Bob McFarlane, the father of 'Spanky' McFarlane of Workington Town, Whitehaven and Cumberland fame and Jack Graham who became Whitehaven's first local professional when they entered the Northern Rugby Football League.

With the advent of a professional club in Whitehaven, many Kells players graduated to the paid ranks. Billy Garrett however, was the first to gain professional international honours. Another prop-forward - Bill McAlone was regarded as one of the best un-capped forward of his era. Later there was John Tembey who represented Gt. Britain at Test level. In the late fifties Kells again reached the first round of the Rugby League Challenge Cup, drawing the powerful Hunslet side at Parkside. Though losing 55-9, Kells had a side packed with names who would progress, and shine in the professional game - Eddie Brennan, the late Matt McLeod, Ray Devlin and the exquisite Philip Kitchin who also represented Great Britain in Test match football.

Into the sixties and the Kells conveyor belt continued to deliver great players; Paul Charlton, Eddie Bowman, Tommy Thompson, John McFarlane and Harold McCourt to name but an handful. In 1965 Kells again qualified for a place in the Challenge Cup, but due to a mix-up were not registered at Rugby League Headquarters at Chapletown Road and were exempt from the draw.

With the advent of the seventies the amateur game experienced something of a decline. Kells however, remained a force in Cumberland Rugby League circles and produced three gems in the shape of 'Boxer' Walker, Derek McMillan and Johnny Jones who all signed for Workington Town. While Barry Smith who later returned as coach, was making the Whitehaven No 7 jersey his own. Towards the end of the seventies Kells made two important developments which in retrospect perhaps account for their pre-eminence today. In 1979 they opened their own Club House and Changing Rooms thereby breaking their long-established links with Haig Colliery. Around this time there was a boom in Youth Rugby League and Kells under the guidance of Paul Charlton, Phil Kitchin and Alec Bowman set up teams in the under 11, 13 and 15 age groups which was to reap rich rewards in the following years.

The Eighties saw this youth policy starting to pay dividends as Kells Under-19s appeared in two consecutive BARLA National Cup Finals. Unfortunately success eluded them on both occasions. However, the die had been cast and several of those players - Gary Hetherington, Brian Tomlinson and Frank Johnston all moved into the professional game at Whitehaven. Kells enjoyed tremendous success during 1981-82 with the senior side and 'A' teams both winning the championship titles of their respective divisions with only one defeat between them! They also picked up the Slalom County Cup (beating Egremont Rangers 12-3) and Amateur Cup (18-9 against Wath Brow Hornets and runners-up in the Cumberland Cup (losing 8-15 to Maryport). The following season the Top-Four Trophy was taken 12-8 against Lowca the Slalom County Cup was retained 15-11 against Hensingham, while the Cumberland Cup was surrended 10-13 to Wath Brow Hornets. The decade saw Kells achieve greater success with another two appearances in the Rugby League Challenge Cup. In 1986 they lost narrowly to Hunslet at Elland Road, while twelve months later drew 4-4 with Fulham at the Recreation Ground before losing the replay at Chiswick. These games however, enhanced the reputation of the Kells club and indeed the amateur game as a whole.

While the nineties have perhaps not been as productive as the club would have wished, they made a positive start to the new millennium with a pre-season nines competition victory.


LOWCA
Founded: 1973
Ground: High Lowca
Colours: Black & White
Coach: Gary Smith
Secretary: K. Murray
Tel: 01946 830622
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Richard Haile 7
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Lee Weighman 27
Leading Player 2000-2001: Richard Haile

* HISTORY: Within seven years of their formation Lowca had won the League Championship on two occasions. The club won its first ever trophy when they returned home victorious from the 1976 Millom sevens. However, twelve months earlier had been the victims of one of Rugby League's more bizarre incidents when they were beaten in the Cumberland Cup semi-finals by Egremont Rangers in the "bouncing goal" incident. Egremont took a penalty kick and the ball bounced and went between the posts. The goal stood and Egremont won 11-10.

The club returned to the top flight after winning the second division championship at the end of 1984-85. They also lifted the top four trophy, beating league runners-up Ellenborough Rangers 12-8. The team played on an open wind swept pitch, between the road to Harrington and the cliffs. There was no changing accommodation until the local chip-shop closed, the club bought it and converted the building into its first club.

The team played on an open wind swept pitch, between the road to Harrington and the cliffs. There was no changing accommodation until the local chip-shop closed, the club bought it and converted the building into its first club.

Still associated with the club are Bob Armstrong, Billy Milligan and Russell Hetherington. Life Members all, who were there in the early days.

Now Lowca boasts a spacious licensed club. Their are full entertainment facilities and for players changing accommodation second to none. The playing pitch is rented from Copeland Council and provides a maximum size level playing area.

The club is aware that success starts at a very much lower age group and Philip Anderson runs Under-9 and under-11 sides. And many senior side had their first taste of competitive rugby in the club's junior teams.

Lowca has had its share of glories on the field during its first 25 years. The Division One Championship Trophy and the Division One Top-Four Cup have both graced the club's bar.

The 'A' team, not to be outdone, has collected its Divisional Trophy and also the John Nicholson Challenge Cup. The club was promoted to Division One but relegated in 1986. They bounced back to the premier division the following season but now contest the Second Division again.

The Lowca club has attracted some of the greatest names from the Cumberland Rugby League scene - Paul Charlton, Alan McCurrie, Ken Todd and Tommy Thompson from the professional ranks. Ted McAllister, the founder coach and Brian Heslop from the amateur game. A steady stream of Lowca players have worn the British Amateur Rugby League colours wherever the game is played - France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the South Pacific islands.

Alan Todd was one of the first and he liked what he saw in Australia so much that he and his family emigrated to Oz - playing for the Queenbeayan Kangaroos. Brian Heslop has a memory of a different kind. He was sent off in a game in the South Pacific and was fined by the disciplinary panel. His fine? One pig!

Billy Ennis, Barry Goodwin, John Allen and Lee Allen are also Lowca tourists or internationals.

Off the field, the running of the club is overseen by chairman, Martin Ennis, John Anderson, the treasurer, is another who has been with the club since its inception. David Gorman is the club secretary, while Kevin Murray is the rugby secretary.

Bill Anderson and Bill Armstrong lend valuable support to all aspects of club life. There is no ladies committee as such, but the ladies associated with the club provide meals and refreshments on match days as well as running the vital raffles.

A whole host of volunteer helpers are part of the team which runs the club doing less glamorous jobs - physios, those who look after the kit and those who clean the dressing rooms after matches. Without them there would be no Lowca and the club wouldn't exist.


MARYPORT
Founded: 1968
Ground: Athletic Ground
Colours: Blue & Yellow
Coach: Alan Davidson
Secretary: P. Williamson
Tel: 01900 816988
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Stephen Cameron 13
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Andrew Cartwright 32
Leading Player 2000-2001: Andrew Cartwright

* HISTORY: Maryport is one of the traditional centres of Cumbrian Rugby League - winning the first ever Cumberland League Championship - although the present club first saw the light of day as Maryport British Legion in the late sixties.

Their greatest ever season came in 1974-75 when they completed their programme as unbeaten league winners and also added the League Championship play-off trophy. The Under-21 Cup was taken in 1980, but the ensuing years have been less than productive with two appearances in the final of the Cumberland Cup being scant reward.

Minor successes have followed including winning the Dale Campbell-Savours Cup and the Second Division Top-Four trophy in 1983-84. The club secured the Second Division Championship at the end of 1999-2000.

Three Maryport players, Alan Jackson, Ken Harker and Stewart Berwick all gained international honours while playing for the club. Amongst those who turned professional Keith Hodgson (Whitehaven and Cumbria), and Ian Litt (Whitehaven and Workington Town) are perhaps the best remembered.


PENRITH
Founded: 1991
Ground: Winters Park
Colours: Black & White
Coach:
Secretary: P. Forrester
Tel: 01768 863283
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Stewart Knubley 6
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Mark Brookes 11
Leading Player 2000-2001: James Stainton

* HISTORY: Penrith entered the league on the back of professional Rugby League being introduced in Carlisle, that venture was relatively short lived but Penrith keep the game alive in the counties remotest League outpost. The club's best season to date came in 1997-98 when they won the Division Four Championship, Top-four play-off Trophy and John Nicholson Cup and reached the semi-final of the Bill Twentyman Cup.

Despite a relatively short history the club have provided the professional game with several recruits - Steve Jackson (currently with Barrow Border Raiders), Dennis Bibby assisted Workington Town, while Stuart Knubley, Mark Brookes, Ian Armstrong and Ted Walker all made the grade with the now defunct Carlisle.


ST. NICHOLAS ARMS
Founded: 1982
Ground: Gillford Park
Colours: Red, White, Blue & Gold
Coach:
Secretary: A. Hodgkinson
Tel: 01228 22006
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Martin Stalker 13
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Adam Pate 19
Leading Player 2000-2001: Mike Dodds

* HISTORY: Originally played in the Carlisle Amateur Rugby League on its formation in 1982, winning two Carlisle Cups, before switching to CARL in 1989 when the City League folded. The move has not been an easy one in terms of trophies won but the club continues to make a valuable contribution to RL in the area and have been rewarded on occasions with minor divisional successes - culminating with the biggest prize in their history at the end of 1999-2000 when they lifted the Second Division Championship Final silverware.

Again finalists in 2000-2001 Saints failed to retain the trophy, going down 2-0 to table-toppers Seaton Rangers.


SALTERBECK STORM
Founded: 2000
Ground:Moorclose Sports Complex
Colours:Red & Black
Coach: Vince McNicholas
Secretary:W. Cunningham
Tel: 01946 832712
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Andrew Fearon 8
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Vince McNicholas 31
Leading Player 2000-2001: Andrew Fearon

* HISTORY: Cumberland Amateur Rugby League's newest club. Founded at the end of the 1999-2000 season by departing Pack Horse coach Vince McNicholas and Willie Cunningham.

Started life as members of CARL in the best possible way with an opening day 48-14 victory over Penrith.


SEATON RANGERS
Founded: 1968
Ground: Welfare Field
Colours: Maroon & Amber
Coach: Paul Hodgson
Secretary: D. Steele
Tel: 01900 68241
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Chris Thompson 10
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Duncan Moyle 28
Leading Player 2000-2001: Steven Wallace

* HISTORY: Seaton were reformed in 1968 and made a great start by reaching several cup finals before winning the League Championship Trophy and Cumberland Cup in 1974. Following demotion they won the Second Division title in 1983-84, when they also reached the Top-Four Final, only to lose to Maryport.

They won the prestigious NORWEB nine-a-side competition in 1990-91, beating Frizington in the final. The perennial 'yo-yo' club they again won the Second Division Championship in 1998-99 when they also completed the double by beating Smiths RU 26-12 in the Championship play-off.

The original Seaton club twice represented the Cumberland League in the first round of the Rugby League Challenge Cup. In season 1913 they lost to Hull 24-2, and were defeated 49-4 by Leigh in 1936. The club have produced many outstanding footballers perhaps none better known than the three Pepperell brothers - Stanley, Russell and Albert.

Enjoyed a double success in 2000-2001 by winning both the Second Division League Championship and the Championship play-off.


WATH BROW HORNETS
Founded: 1963
Ground: Cleator Moor Sports Field
Colours: Black & Amber
Coach: Ian Rudd & Alfie Gregg
Secretary: B. Smith
Tel: 01946 813803
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Andrew Hocking 17
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Gavin Curwen 66
Leading Player 2000-2001: Gavin Curwen

* HISTORY: The game of rugby, of one sort or another has been played in the Wath Brow area of Cleator Moor for many a long year. Prior to the great breakaway of 1895 there was a Rugby Union team with the name now associated to the Rugby League club.

However, the original Wath Brow RL, or Northern Union as it was known at that particular time, was founded in 1898, and in that year had the distinction of a gentleman by the name of Wilson represent Cumberland in the first ever County Championship game against Cheshire. The original club was disbanded in 1904 and it was not until the 1920s that a Wath Brow Hornets Northern Union was formed and featured in it's ranks the famous character 'Slasher' Nolan, a local pugilist of some repute. This club, however, was also disbanded on the outbreak of war in 1939 and from then until 1955. there was no rugby of any code played in the area.

The present club, Wath Brow Hornets Amateur Rugby League Club, was formed that year following a meeting in the Fleecy Ram Public House. The first President of the club was Mr J. A. Pickthall, with Bill Reed the Chairman and Eddie Gate the Secretary/Treasurer. It was several years before the club experienced its first success which was a Cumberland Under-19 Cup Final victory over Kells. One of the winning members of the side that day was a back-row forward, Alan Burns, who later joined Whitehaven. He in turn was followed to the Recreation Ground several years later by another second-row-forward, Bill Holliday, who went on to captain Great Britain. Bill, to this day is undoubtedly the most famous product of the Hornets.

During the 1960's the reputation of the Hornets grew and they became one of the most feared teams in Cumberland Amateur Rugby League - regularly winning Championships and Top-Four play-off's - although the Cumberland Cup was always one which seemed to elude them. Players of note who represented them at this time included Keith Irving who later coached the Hornets and briefly in the professional game at Workington Town and more recently Chairman of Whitehaven, Frank Snow who served Whitehaven and Johnnie Rae, a Pica lad born and bred who eventually played for Bradford Northern where he gained full Great Britain honours in the same team as Bill Holliday.

Into the seventies and the Hornets really started to make their mark. In 1976 they opened their new club house and in the same year became the first local club to contest a BARLA Final, as they crossed swords with Leigh Miners Welfare in the Lancashire/Cumbria Cup decider. Unfortunately they came second best on the day to a sparkling Leigh team - but already players of the calibre of Mal Flynn, Ralph McConnell, Alf McCarron and John Lightfoot were being eagerly pursued by a number of professional clubs.

The following season saw the Hornets Under-18s take the BARLA Lancashire/Cumbria Cup for that age-group, defeating Widnes Tigers in the final. The side contained several players destined for the professional game - including Ian Rudd, Colin Todd and Alan Pearson. In 1979 the British Amateur Rugby League Cumbria Regional League came into being and further success came the way of the Hornets. They were the inaugural winners of this competition under the guidance of coach Keith Irving - Following their Matthew Brown League successes of 1976 and 1977.

In the following season the Brow again reached the final of theLancashire/Cumbria Cup only to lose to south county neighbors Millom 4-9. However, the club crowned its Silver Jubilee season by winning the Cumberland Cup for the first time in its entire history. A decade of success was completed with further Cumberland Cup triumphs in 1983 and 1986. The Cumberland Cup was again won in 1994-95 with victory over Ellenborough Rangers. The Top-Four Championship trophy was acquired by default three seasons ago, but the 'big one' - the league championship - still proved elusive. The quest for the Championship was never stronger than at the outset of 1997-98, coach Martin Amor's burning desire to put that particular piece of silverware on the clubhouse sideboard was achieved in fine style.

The Hornets finest achievement to date came in 1998-99 when they reached the final of the National Cup.

Season 1999-2000 was to be Hornets best-ever season in their quest for domestic honours - winning Cumbria, Cumberland and Amateur Cups to go with their League title retention. The only blot on a superb year came in the Championship Final Play-off defeat against Hensingham.

Season 2000-2001 proved a monentous one for Hornets and ever better than the previous year when they became Cumberland League's most successful club ever in a single season - winning all five trophies on offer. The season was completed by the second team winning both trophies available to them.


WESTFIELD
Founded: 1986
Ground: The Ranch
Colours: Green & Gold
Coach: Graeme McKenzie & Kevin Connelly
Secretary: D. Robinson
Tel: 01900 604281
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Lee Hunter 6
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Wayne Dustin 26
Leading Player 2000-2001: Lee Hunter

* HISTORY: Like many sporting clubs before and since Westfield can trace its beginnings back to a group of enthusiasts getting together and forming a team.

Those associated with birth of the club had gathered in the local Moorclose Hotel situated on an estate on the outskirts of Workington. The estate itself itself dates only from the early 1960's and was one of a number of housing schemes implemented to replace the old prefabrication dwellings which had accommodated family's since the end of world war two.

The Town of Workington at that time had only one other team - the Bluebell (now also sadly gone) - and those gathered thought it high time its number was increased.

Playing under the Moorclose banner the new club played only friendlies during that first year under the coaching guidance of former Workington Town, St. Helens and Gt. Britain forward Peter Gorley.

The experience on the field was supplied by the likes of Gordon Falcon (brother of ex-Workington Town and Cumbria favourite Colin) and ex-Whitehaven professional Geoff Symes.

The club however, very nearly folded before it had virtually begun and was kept afloat during the first couple of years by former chairman Stewart Wright who often dipped into his own pocket when bills were overdue.

A change of home saw the club renamed to Westfield Hotel. A further change saw them drop the Hotel from their title and this coincided with an upsurge in playing fortune, culminating in winning the First Division Championship in 1996-97 - a season which also saw the club win the Bill Twentyman Cup. Appearances in the Amateur Cup, Cumberland Cup, Cumbria Cup and Championship Finals all ended in defeat at the hands of Ellenborough Rangers.

The club made a bold move and relocated again, this time at the home of British Steel Rugby Union Club at Mossbay in 1999.


WIGTON
Founded: 1983
Ground: Barton Laws
Colours: Yellow & Green
Coach:
Secretary: R. Teasdale
Tel: 016973 42012
Leading Tryscorer 2000-2001: Ian French 5
Leading Goalkicker 2000-2001: Justin Bennett 27
Leading Player 2000-2001: Justin Bennett & Mark Deans

* HISTORY: Wigton continue to fly the Rugby League flag in a town better known for its Rugby Union club. The Victoria Hotel based side enjoyed two campaigns in the First Division after gaining promotion as runners-up to Flimby at the end of 1997-98. Finished last term on a high after beating section leaders Glasson Rangers to land the Third Division Championship Play-off trophy.