By Helen Thompson

Last updated at 14:26, Tuesday, 23 August 2011

Broughton Red Rose upped the tempo in the second half of their opening Iggesund Cumberland League game to see off resilient Ellenborough.

Driving force: Lowca’s Tony Tinkler runs at the Clifton defence

Harry Kaufman and Andrew Armitage both ran in braces for Red Rose in the truncated season group B clash.

Broughton were 14-8 ahead at the break but pulled away in the latter stages to win 40-20.

Dave Varty, Wayne Bell, Johnny Ostle and Bleu Robinson also touched down for the visiting side, with former Ellenborough player Eddie Robinson kicking four goals against his old team. Steven Stoddart touched down twice for Ellenborough and kicked four goals with Kev Hoblan also touching down.

Maryport continued their pre-season form, strolling to an emphatic 74-6 victory over visitors Salterbeck.

Both sides were hampered by players attending the V Festival, but the home side barely seemed to notice, as they powered their way through the game.

It took less than a minute for Maryport to get on the score sheet, powerhouse forward Phil Holiday finishing off a fine move to cross for a six-pointer.

Maryport dominated possession, and squandered a host of scoring opportunities before Jon Dawes crossed for the first of his four tries on nine minutes.

Salterbeck tried their hardest to get back into the game and made a few good breaks, but they had no answer the size of the Maryport pack.

Debutant Mark Walker at stand off controlled proceedings and the home side continued to play some expansive rugby.

Greg Dickinson, Carl Bell and Daniel Rooney grabbed a try apiece before Salterbeck's Jason Graham grabbed a late try which was converted by Daniel Blaney to give a half-time score of 26-6.

It was all one way traffic for the second 40, with Maryport running in a further eight tries to give a final score of Maryport 74, Salterbeck 6.

Holiday collected his second, with Dawes running in three more. Then there were touchdowns for Brett Smith, a brace for Sam Forrester and a second for Rooney

It was difficult to pick a stand out performer for Maryport with Mark Walker, Daniel Rooney and Phil Holliday all having fine games, but with sterner tests to come this season the signs are still looking good for the home side.

For the visitors, it was one of those days to forget, but Salterbeck will regroup and will have players back for the visit of Ellenborough on Wednesday night.

In group A, Cockermouth conceded their game to Kells and Wath Brow could not raise a side to travel to Seaton

But there was a tight game at Distington where Glasson were the visitors. The home side ran up a 7-0 lead at the break and survived a second half fightback from Glasson to win 13-6.

Steve Conway and Nicky Cook scored the Distington tries, with Clayton Sutton converting both and adding a drop-goal.

Greg Rowley went over for the lone Glasson try, with Thomas Dixon adding the goal.

In group C only one game was played, with Lowca running out 16-4 victors over Great Clifton Lions.

Lowca player/coach Lee Allen crossed for one of their tries, with Craig Burns touching down twice and John Sparks kicked two goals. Tony Huddart scored Clifton’s only try of the afternoon.

FIXTURES

Tuesday

(6.15pm ko)

Group C: Lowca v Egremont, Frizington v Aspatria, Glasson Rangers A v Clifton

Wednesday

Broughton Red Rose v Maryport, Seaton Rangers A v Hensingham (6.30pm ko), Salterbeck v Ellenborough

First published at 11:28, Monday, 22 August 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk