Last updated 19:48, Thursday, 14 August 2008

CUMBERLAND Amateur Rugby League champions Ellenborough begin the defence of their title on August 27.

They open their campaign with a home tie against Broughton Red Rose.

Newly promoted Cockermouth host Wath Brow Hornets, Seaton play host to Glasson and Maryport travel to Distington on the same night.

There are no matches the following weekend due to the Challenge Cup final but the second round takes place the following Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Then the opening round of the Cumbria Cup takes centre stage on September 6.

Top Four champions Kells, who also lifted the Cumberland Cup last season, begin their league programme with a home match against Hensingham on August 27.

Ellenborough and Kells, the top two teams, have been kept apart until November 1 when the Whitehaven side will have home advantage, with the reverse fixture taking place on February 28. The Carl season officially starts the night before with the second division getting under way on August 26.

Newcomers Lowca A open with a home game against Salterbeck.

Great Clifton will hope to bounce right back into the top flight, following their relegation at the end of last season, and they will entertain Flimby in division two.