Last updated at 13:26, Monday, 25 October 2010
CUMBRIA recorded an opening victory in their County Championship campaign as they held on to beat Lancashire at Millom.
Paul Crarey’s amateur side triumphed 20-18 at Devonshire Road, to set up a title-decider with Yorkshire.
The home side led 16-12 at the break, with tries from Scott Lofthouse, Barrow Island’s Sam Jones and Dave Lowry giving them the edge over the Red Rose side.
The second half was a tense affair as Lancashire came within two points of their hosts in the final reckoning, a Peter Busheret try guaranteeing the win for Cumbria.
Tony Burns kicked two conversions from four for Crarey’s men.
The under-19s could not withstand a spirited Lancashire fightback in their encounter, however.
Leading 36-16 at half-time, Cumbria had to settle for a draw as they failed to trouble the scoresheet again after the break as the game ended 36-36 .
Shane Cusack scored two of the Cumbria tries, with Callum Phillips, Chris Heighton, Matt Brewsher, Askam’s Sam Dowsett and Walney’s James Duerden also crossing the whitewash.
James Newton kicked one conversion and Ross Gainford three.
