Last updated 11:47, Wednesday, 17 September 2008

CUMBRIA rugby union has a new Under-17’s League this season which will be contested by eight teams.

The county Youth Committee was concerned that there wasn’t enough competition at this particular age group because the bigger clubs in the county were travelling out of Cumbria for their fixtures.

The increasing price of fuel and the commitment needed to travel good distances for away games also prompted the call for a county League.

Aspatria became the eighth club to join, doing away with the need for a spare team.

The Black Reds will face competition from Keswick, Cockermouth, Wigton, Workington, Penrith, Upper Eden and Egremont.

Penrith will continue to field an Under-17’s team in the Halbro League but because they were keen to support the Cumbria League venture they are entering their Under-16’s this season.

Workington will host Wigton in the opening game for both teams at the Ellis Sports Ground tonight.

Keswick got their season up and running with a 50-5 win over Cockermouth but it was a closer game than that scoreline would indicate.

Keswick looked good when they brought their speedy backs into play and on a foot-perfect pitch had plenty of opportunities to run at the opposition.

Outside centre Sam Jackson took the honours by scoring a hat-trick of tries while left winger Will Greenwell and scrum-half Oliver Hinkley crossed twice each. Prop Tom Partington scored the eighth Keswick try. Paul Ireland landed four conversions and Hinkley put over one.

Keswick continue their Under-17’s programme this weekend against Upper Eden.