Last updated at 13:42, Thursday, 03 May 2012

THE new Cumbria Regional Academy for top RL prospects got off to a flying start at the weekend with their Under-15s and 16s both enjoying opening wins over the North East.

But under the Cumbria Storm banner, tougher tests lie ahead for the youngsters, who this season will face opposition from Super League clubs under an initiative designed to give county kids the best possible start to their rugby careers.

The Under-16s won 42-30 at Workington’s Derwent Park, while the 15s beat their opponents 48-12.

Jordan Johnstone of Kells booted eight goals from as many attempts for the Under-15s, hooker Luke McIntee of Roose scoring three tries.

Daniel Cain touched down twice, and his Kells team-mate Cameron Seeds, Millom’s Fraser McLauglin and Brad Russell of Barrow Island also crossed. The hosts led 36-0 at the break after producing an outstanding first-half.

Cole Walker-Taylor of Wath Brow scored two tries and added four goals for the Under-16s, Will Maher, of Ulverston, also crossing twice.

Wath Brow’s Greg Howland, Ellenborough’s Bradley Fearon, Hanley Dawson of Millom, and Ulverston’s Matt Manatpathamasing also scored. Egremont’s Joe Bold booted one goal.

Garry Mounsey, Under-16s manager, said: “Obviously this is a new concept for us and it’s absolutely fantastic. It has been a long time coming.

“The lads gelled really well and the commitment they gave was brilliant.”

The next test for Cumbria will be at Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground later this month when they tackle Salford City Reds.

Dave Farrell, Under-15s manager, said: “When you consider that significant numbers of lads from this area in these age groups are at Salford, Wigan and Warrington, yet we can still turn out teams of this calibre, it shows we can compete at an elite level.

“They now have their first game under their belts, and there’s still work to be done. But they have a few weeks to address issues before a harder test against Salford.”

First published at 11:11, Thursday, 03 May 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk