The best talent in West Cumbria’s amateur rugby league scene was honoured this week.

At the Iggesund Cumberland ARL annual general meeting, Cockermouth’s Jack Clark was announced as the Cumberland Amateur Rugby League Player of the Year .

Clark scored 17 tries during the season and kicked 46 goals, with one drop goal for a total of 161 points.

The top try scorer in the league was Kevin Hoban, of Ellenborough Rangers, with 22.

Jamie Friel, of Distington, was third with 16 touchdowns, followed by Ellenborough’s Luke Penrice (14), Distington’s Aiden Worthington (13), Distington’s Greg Bedford (13), Ellenborough’s Jordan Ostle (13) and Matty Bell (12), Lowca’s Paul McNally (12) and Seaton’s Lewis Mason (11).

The top goal kicker was Sam Curwen from Wath Brow A with 69, with Owen Hoyles second for Ellenborough with 68 and Luke Johnson third for Aspatria with 53.

Distington’s Steve Clark kicked 53, Jack Clark 46, Hensingham’s Jack Kellett 36, Glasson’s Keenan Winter 33, Distington’s Kieran Worthington 33, Seaton’s ex-Workington Town Kieran Mewse 26 and Lowca’s Callum Sirkett 19.

Sam Curwen was also the top points scorer with 178, with Jack Clark on 161, Owen Hoyles on 147, Steve Clark on 146, Luke Johnson on 135, Jack Kellett on 96, Kevin Hoban on 92, Jordan Ostle on 84, Kieran Worthington on 74 and Keenan Winter on 70.

It was confirmed that Maryport will return to open age action next season after two years away, while Flimby and Hensingham A, who did not complete their programmes in 2018, will be up and running for the new season in March.

Hensingham have left the Cumberland ARL to join the National Conference, giving West Cumbria four teams at the highest level of amateur rugby league.

While expressing disappointment at Hensingham’s departure, Cumberland ARL officials were unanimous in wishing them the best of luck with their switch to the conference.

Roger Blair will continue as chairman, Lorraine Degraff is set to stay as secretary while Kenny Millican will be on registrations and John Shanks will be treasurer.

The other committee members are Dave Colley, Keith Heskett and Pete Tyson, with Lee McDonald joining them.