Rugby league: Dale Campbell Savours Cup Semi-Finals

Last updated 12:27, Thursday, 01 May 2008

COCKERMOUTH, the Division One champions, will face rising Salterbeck Storm in the Dale Campbell Savours Cup Final.

Frizington, 18-0 down to Cockermouth at half-time, struggled to contain John Patrick, who powered over for four tries in a 34-10 success. Gareth Skillen, Richard Boye and Mark Haycock scored the visitors’ other touchdowns and Craig Fisher kicked three goals.

Frizington earned plaudits for a revival in which Sean Nicholson and Barry Palmer crossed, Wayne Dunn adding a conversion.

All eyes, though, will be on Salterbeck, who are thought to be in their first major final after fighting back from 18-0 down at an Egremont Rangers outfit whose National Conference League team was without a fixture.

Rangers, fielding a number of first teamers, looked likely to be comfortable winners when Kev Brown, Mark Beckwith and Mark Reid raced over, John Paul Brocklebank adding each goal.

Remarkably, however, Salterbeck were on level terms early in the second half, Lee Jardine having converted touchdowns by Steven Humphries, Ross Cape and Daniel Riddick.

The Storm audaciously went in front in the 56th minute when Ryan McClure barged his way over and Jardine added the extras, but Egremont looked likely to force at least extra-time when John Hartley crossed in reply.

Brocklebank’s conversion attempt, however, bounced back off a post. And Salterbeck duly booked their date with Cockermouth with a late try by Humphries, which Jardine converted.

In John Smith’s Cumberland League action, Kells are looking hard over their shoulders as Ellenborough Rangers continue to come up on the rails in the sprint for the Division One title.

Rangers, galloping their way successfully through a backlog of fixtures, won 52-0 at Maryport neighbours Glasson, helped by a hat-trick by speedster David Sewell. Opposite winger Dean Scholey also showed his paces with a brace, Stephen Stoddart contributed a try and six goals, and Kyle Lofthouse, Shane Ackerley and Lee Halbert touched down.

Celebrations, though, were unconfined when veteran prop Jason Moore, helping steer Elbra through a testing spell, powered over for a rare touchdown.

Seaton have edged above Broughton Red Rose into the top four after grinding out a 12-6 victory at Maryport in very heavy conditions. Rangers created a 10-point buffer at the break with a try and a goal by winger Duncan Moyles and a touchdown for young scrum-half Calum Phillips. Andrew Cartwright crossed in the second period for the Port and converted his own score, but the visitors settled matters when Moyles landed a penalty.

Great Clifton three points deducted for a broken fixture and 50 points added to against score.

Flimby and Salterbeck A three points deducted for a broken fixture and 50 points added to against score.

Egremont six points deducted for broken fixtures and 100 points added to against score.

Seaton A and Kells A withdrawn from league.

Former players, coaches and supporters of Hensingham RLFC are being invited to help launch an new Vice-President’s Club.

Ex-player Len Lowry is organising the event, which will aim to set up a regular social gathering, including trips to Super League matches, for those who have been involved in the club over the years.

Other former players already on board include Jackie Davidson and David Thomas.

It is being launched on Friday, June 6, at the club, with a 7.15pm start.

John Smith’s Cumberland League Division One – Wath Brow Hornets v Ellenborough Rangers, Seaton Rangers v Maryport, Great Clifton v Kells. John Smith’s Cumberland League Division Two Top Four Semi-Final – Wigton v Lowca. E Lamb & Son Amateur Cup Semi-Final – Cockermouth v Seaton.