Last updated 19:39, Thursday, 20 March 2008

CUMBERLAND completed their U20 programme with a 20-12 defeat at Kendal against Lancashire.

It left the Cumbrians with only the one win against Northumberland and defeats against Yorkshire, Cheshire, Durham and Lancashire.

But coach Phil Healey said: “Although we are disappointed to have lost four of the five games we were only well beaten in one of them, by the reigning champions Yorkshire.

“There were massive pluses in the other three defeats - the one against Cheshire was only by a point and up until the last minute there was only a score in it against Lancashire.

“There is a lot to build on because 14 of the squad of 22 are available again in this age group next year.”

Cumbria played with the wind behind them in the first half but hardly saw the ball for 20 minutes. Lancashire had their opportunities to score but some solid Cumbrian defence kept them out.

Gradually Cumbria started to gain territory and possession and were unlucky when the pack drove over from a maul and the referee was on the wrong side to see a Cumbrian forward touchdown. The try was disallowed.

After a score-less first half Lancashire took the lead in the first minute after the resumption.

But Cumbria came back and Penrith winger Jonathan Potter scored an unconverted try and later Jon Fell added another which James Clark converted.