By Martin Morgan

Last updated 11:42, Wednesday, 25 June 2008

CHAMPS Ellenborough packed off star players Eddie Robinson and Kyle Lofthouse on the Cumbria ARL tour to Australia with cheques totalling over £1,500 apiece.

Three thousand thanks: Eddie Robinson, left, and Kyle Lofthouse, right, receive cheques from Elbra chairman Wilson Smith and secretary Helen Birkett

Wilson Smith, chairman of the Cumberland League outfit, thanked all who took part in the fund-raising effort.

He praised the Ellenborough squad, who made a generous donation, Kath Murdock, for organising a bumper raffle, sponsors and fans who backed a big race night at the club.

“Due to a great effort, the club was able to present each player with a cheque in excess of £1,500 for tour expenses,” Smith added. “And we’ve thrown in some spending money, too.

“Both recipients and everyone at Ellenborough Rangers are grateful to everyone who helped.”

The Cumbria squad jetted out on Friday for the four-match tour, as guests of NRL club Penrith Panthers.

Penrith have secured tickets for the squad to the eagerly-anticipated third State of Origin clash of the season between New South Wales and Queensland, which will decide the series.