The Iggesund Cumberland Amateur Rugby League season gets under way tomorrow with a new-look.

Fourteen teams will contest two divisions in the league after several clubs reverted to the competition following the demise of the Cumbria Men’s League.

And all the teams were well represented at last Friday’s launch night.

The Premier Division will consist of six teams, Distington, Ellenborough, Glasson Rangers, Hensingham, Kells and Seaton, who will play each other three times this term in a competitive league.

Division One will have eight teams, made up of Aspatria, Broughton Red Rose, Cockermouth, Egremont, Flimby, Hensingham A, Lowca and Wath Brow.

Wath Brow opted to join the CARL in 2018 after playing in the former Men’s League for five years.

This year’s Brow team is primarily made up of products from their very successful youth system, and at least 85 per cent of their players will be under the age of 21 as they look to develop.

Lowca is another team with a number of youth players coming through and, with their mix of old and young, are hoping to make the top four play-offs this season.

Kells A are another youthful team with the majority of players under the age of 20.

After being asked to compete in the league’s top-flight, they are looking forward to testing themselves.

A spokesman said: “We were asked by the Cumberland League Committee to step up a division this season after a couple of successful years in the Cumberland League’s lower division.

"The players and coaching staff all voted to enter the Premier Division.

“We realise we will be facing tougher opposition but the club as a whole agree that we feel our A team is well equipped to compete at this level.

"And the players in particular are looking forward to testing themselves in the top division of Cumberland Rugby League.”

Aspatria Hornets will be looking to build on last year’s positive achievements in 2018 as they bid to go one further and add some silverware to the, as yet, empty cabinet.

The West Cumbria Rugby League Referees’ Society go into the 2018 season with a strong core of members.

But they are still on the look-out for new blood and, if you would like to officiate, contact CumberlandRLRS@hotmail.com

A referees’ spokesman said: “We’re lucky to have officials with the experience of Neil Byers and Brian Armstrong who continue to support the community game.

“Peter Gilmour Snr has decided to hang his boots up after 32 successful years with the whistle but he still continues to contribute off the field.

“We also see the return of Rob Jones and Mike Burgess to boost numbers while our younger officials like Nicky Carter, Brad Milligan and Jamie Hooper join Gareth Hewer officiating in the pro and semi-pro game.”

The league thanked everyone who attended the launch night including Workington Town, Gary McKeating – 40/20pix, Rob Jones from the Cumbria Referees and the club representatives.

Saturday Fixtures

Premier Division: Glasson v Hensingham, Distington v Seaton, Ellenborough v Kells.

Division One: Lowca v Cockermouth, Flimby v Aspatria, Hensingham A v Wath Brow A, Broughton RR v Egremont.