Kells barge their way past the British Army to reach fourth round of Ladbrokes Challenge Cup

Kells moved into the fourth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup after a convincing victory over the British Army.

On a balmy afternoon at the pit top, Kells picked apart their visitors to keep their run in the competition going with a 30-4 win.

Kells were rampant at times, cutting their opponents open decisively with Dominic Wear proving a thorn in the Army's side at half-back with some great runs.

The home pack were also to the fore with David Lowery and Ross Ainley taking them forward and punishing the Army when they tried to attack.

Tyrone Dalton was the first Kells player on the scoresheet when he crossed the whitewash after a nice pass from Jordan Herve after just four minutes.

Dalton then looked to turn provider for Herve just moments later but the former Haven player's pass just went out of play before his winger could reach it.

Troy Armstrong then pushed his way over from acting half-back with Ross Gainford adding the extras to take the score out to 10-0.

Ex-Haven winger Loz Hamzat made his return to west Cumbria and he made a good break down the left-hand flank as the Army fought to get back into the game.

He left his side in a good position near the line and then Mike Harrison also went close before Jordan Kerman fumbled the ball and the attack dissipated.

Just before half-time, Kells were over again to keep their momentum up at the break.

This time, it was Lewis Smith who was on hand to touch down and, despite the missed conversion, Kells held a 14-0 advantage.

Into the second half and it was the home side again on top, Barry Boyd running a great angle to cut through the defence and score, with Gainford converting.

Matt Scott tried to get the Army going with a good run but again their final attack was flat and then Kieron Roche knocked on over the line as it looked as though it would not be the visitors' day.

Moments later, Wear showed his potential as he cut a swathe through the Army defence and raced down the right touchline.

He drew in the defender before slipping the pass to the supporting Armstrong who raced over the line for his second of the afternoon, with Gainford again on target.

The strong Kells support thought they had repeated the feat on the next attack as Wear again cut a large hole in the defence but, this time, his pass to Armstrong was adjudged forward.

Wear and Armstrong were proving a potent force as they attacked a third time in a short period but again they were denied for an offside call.

But it was only a matter of time before Kells were back on the scoresheet and it was a long ball out to the left-hand side that set up the attack. From there, Scott Lofthouse popped the ball up for winger Herve to cross in the corner to hit the 30-point mark.

Into the final 10 minutes and the Army seemed to pick up their game, determined not to be whitewashed.

And, much to the disappointment of Kells coach Peter Smith, they got their wish when Hamzat crossed wide out with six minutes left on the clock.

The conversion was missed and Kells held them at bay for the remaining time to clinch the win and give them a huge confidence boost ahead of the start of their National Conference League season next weekend.