Ellenborough Rangers head coach Craig Barker says he can’t wait to see his side move up a level next season after it was announced the club will compete in the Cumbria Men’s League in 2016.

Barker’s side finished top of the Iggesund Cumberland Men’s League and it was announced after last week’s presentation evening that the Rangers will compete in a new league next year.

“It’s about getting the club back to where they feel they belong,” Barker said.

“There’s some great history at the club, they were National Cup winners and dominated the amateur game around here.

“We’ve been building the team up and there have been a lot of new players coming through the ranks.

“When I first started coaching the club we were always so close to winning and were in semi-finals and finals but falling at the last.

“We finished third in the league in my first year, then second and now we’ve won the treble.

“The progression has been there and the players have wanted to step up and test themselves at the next level so they’ve got the hunger and the attitude.”

Elbra’s John Todd, who last week signed a professional contract at Whitehaven, picked up three awards at the club’s presentation night.

The prop picked up the Coaches’ Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and Elbra Man of Steel awards.

“John’s had an exceptional season with us and he’s earned himself a professional contract,” Barker added. “We’d all like to wish him the best for the future.”

Kevin Hoban picked up the top try scoring award, Shane Ackerley was awarded Referees’ Player of the Year, Andy Ostle the Supporters’ Player of the Year and Jordan Ostle picked up both Youth Player of the Year and top points scoring awards.

“Kevin has been scoring for fun this year,” Barker continued. “He loves scoring tries and he’s probably scored some of the best tries I’ve ever seen in rugby league.

“You just know when he’s got the ball that something good is going to come from it and his confidence has grown so much since he joined us.

“With Jordan, I couldn’t wait for him to turn 16 so he could play open-age rugby and he’s excelled in his debut season.

“He’s got such a good sidestep and he always backs himself.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw him at a professional club before the age of 20, that’s how good I think he is.”

Former Carlisle and Workington forward Hitro Okesene was on hand to present the awards.

Added Barker: “It was a great way for us to end our season and I’d like to say a big thank you to the committee, sponsors, coaching staff, supporters and players for their efforts this year.”