Last updated at 13:10, Friday, 02 September 2011

Aspatria Hornets are gearing up for their first home game in 14 years when table-topping Lowca visit tomorrow.

The re-formed club showed they could be a force this term with a 34-10 win at Frizington last week, and they will be fully-tested against Lowca, who are setting the early pace in Group C after a couple of early wins.

“The objective this year is to get the foundations in place,” said spokesman Craig Hamilton. “We want to be competitive but don’t expect miracles.

“It’s our first year back playing teams who have been around for a long time and know what it’s all about. It’s a good challenge for us.

“Frizington is a hard place to go on a Tuesday night. We have attracted some lads from football and a couple from RU, who stood up well. We’ve got a good mix.

“Our coach doesn’t expect us to be at our best until five or six games in as it’s a brand new team.”

Aspatria have also recruited ex-Ellenborough ace, Kevin Clarke, former Wigton favourite Richard Holliday and David Abram, who had a stint with Haven in the 90s.

Frizington spokesman Dave Farrell hailed Aspatria as worthy winners.

“They had a purple patch in the second-half, scoring two tries in quick succession which were game-breakers,” said Farrell, who felt Frizington failed to make the most of their opportunities.

“They took their chances and deserved to win. Richard Holliday is a dangerous attacker at this level and they look a pretty competent outfit.

“We are in a bit of a rebuilding phase and have to keep working hard.”

Aspatria’s win looked even more impressive after Frizington followed up with a 28-26 win at Egremont on Wednesday.

Dean Armstrong, two, Paul Bradley, Sean Dixon and Gary Palmer crossed for Frizington, Dean Armstrong slotting four goals. The hosts replied through Anthony Leak, two, Andrew Hinde and Kyle Hiddleston. Darren Block kicked five goals.

Brett Phillips and 16-year-old Scot Rooke were outstanding for Seaton in their 22-2 win against Distington, for whom Troy Armstrong stood out. The hosts led only 6-2 at the break and pulled clear in the second-half.

Adam McGlasson, Andy McGlasson, Tom McGeen and Rooke touched down for Seaton. Miguel Blanco-Charters booted three goals. Distington’s Clayton Sutton notched a penalty goal.

There was no score at the break in Flimby’s clash with Hensingham, tries from David Cartmel and Gareth Gates, plus two Josh Hillier goals, ensuring the Whitehaven outfit returned home happy.

Clifton overturned a 12-4 half-time deficit to win 30-24 at Glasson A. Sean Ackerlay, Karl Armstrong, Greg Rowley, two, and Gary Tierney crossed for Glasson, Dean Scholey booting two goals. Sean Woolfe touched down twice for Clifton, Mathew Robinson, Michael Hill, Scott Burgess, who added three goals, also notching four-pointers.

Tonight’s fixture

Cumberland League

Group A

Wath Brow v Cockermouth (7pm)

Tomorrow’s fixtures

Cumberland League

Group A

Glasson Rangers v Kells

Group B

Hensingham v Ellenborough, Flimby v Salterbeck, Maryport v Seaton Rangers A

Group C

Aspatria v Lowca, Kells A v Egremont, Clifton Lions v Glasson Rangers A

National Conference

Egremont v Thatto Heath, Wath Brow v Leigh East

First published at 11:29, Friday, 02 September 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk