Last updated 19:43, Thursday, 10 July 2008

A NEW Cumbria amateur rugby league U18 league is being formed and at least six clubs have already pledged support.

Maryport, Wath Brow, Kells, Egremont, Walney and Barrow Island have said they will take part, with organisers hopeful that Seaton and Millom will also feature.

The new venture is expected to be warmly welcomed as for many years the county has lacked an U18 league.

“We are going to go with six teams, and maybe eight,” said Egremont’s Sam Bailey, chairman of the new league.

“Millom think they have the numbers but are looking for a coach. Seaton have a very strong set-up, and I’d like to think they’ll come on board. “We have had a bit of a renaissance at Egremont over the last few years, especially with our 16s and 14s, and from our point of view, the new league is certainly something we needed to do.

“Six is still a go because it would provide 10 league games, Top Four play-offs, Cumberland Cup and National Cup. We are looking not to play in December and January, because of the possibility of cancellations.”

It’s hope to launch with a Sevens tournament next month, followed by league fixtures in September.

Bailey paid tribute to Graeme Morton, of Kells, who had been instrumental in getting the new league off the ground.

However Bailey is concerned that the proposed new West Cumbria U18 team, being launched to play in the Gillette National League, will cherry pick the best local youngsters.

“We are looking to provide rugby for the many, rather than the few,” he said.