Cumbria ran out comfortable 41-25 winners in the Bill Beaumont County Championship against Notts, Lincs & Derby.

In the first five minutes they scored their first try after kicking a penalty to the 22. They won good line-out ball and centre Peter Weightman had the simple task of running the ball in under the posts. Ireland slotted the conversion with ease and then inside ten minutes put his side ten points to the good with a penalty.

Cumbria were penalised a couple of times in quick succession and were defending deep in their own 22 when they were penalised again. This tap was quickly taken and the try scored before the visitors’ defence could organise themselves.

Dini Noyo sped in at the corner next to restore the visitors’ 10-point advantage but penalties allowed the home side good field position and they scored a second try.

James Thompson was set up for a charge just before the break and ended up on his back over the line but the touch judge confirmed the ball had been grounded and the try was given. Ireland added the conversion and Cumbria had a 22-10 lead at the break.

Cumbria couldn’t have made a better start to the second period as they scored from their own restart with Weightman again crashing over.

Within another five minutes they added added a fifth try from a line-out on the NLD 22.

Wainwright won the throw to the line-out and forced his way through the home forwards. He then charged for the line and the home defenders were unable to haul him down.

They did concede a further three tries after losing Mark Irving to a red card but just when they were getting under pressure replacement winger Harry Huddlestone took a smart interception and ran three quarters the length of the field to score under the posts and settle the nerves.