Kells might have been relegated from the National Conference League’s Premier Division but the club’s A team have provided some end-of-season consolation.

Having already won the Iggesund Cumberland Amateur Rugby League Division One title, Kells A completed the double on Friday when they beat Maryport 22-8 at Egremont in the Top Four final.

It was a thriller, with great respect between the two sides for each other, and taking part in the game were at least 14 players under the age of 18.

That has to be one of the most encouraging aspects of the season, with so many youngsters around the various clubs getting experience of open-age rugby and doing well.

Kells had edged out Maryport in the race for the Division One title and they didn’t have it all their own way on this occasion.

It was Maryport who started really well and within 10 minutes they had established an 8-0 lead as Liam Anderson went over for a try, converted by Craig Foster, who then added a penalty goal.

But Kells came back well and before the interval they had taken a 10-8 lead as Clarke Chambers and Dan Starkie went over for tries, one of which was converted by Cameron Taylor.

It stayed that way until the 65th minute when Chambers scored a crucial try for Kells which Taylor converted to give them an eight-point cushion.

This was quickly followed by another six-pointer as Harry Watson went in for a try, again converted by Taylor, and that was held comfortably until the end.

Aspatria will be hoping to deny Kells A their treble when they meet on Friday and will be comfortable with their underdogs tag.