Last updated 21:22, Thursday, 21 August 2008

COCKERMOUTH’S successful new amateur rugby league team, Cockermouth Titans, has a new coach in ex-Workington Town player Colin ‘Buck’ Armstrong, and is looking for new players to build on last season’s triumphs.

Whitehaven coach Ged Stokes handed out the awards at the club’s annual presentation night which celebrated last season’s successes.

The club, which was only formed two years ago, won the John Smith’s Cumberland League Division Two title and the Dale Campbell Savours cup.

With Ged to hand out the awards was one of Haven’s newest recruits and former Titan centre John Patrick.

Marc Haycock was players’ player of the year; Johnny Goulding was young player of the year, Justin Rooney was most improved player and John Patrick was player of the year.

Players and members of the committee have held a sponsored bike ride to raise funds for the coming season and not even the torrential downpours could dampen spirits which had been lifted with the announcement that Buck was to be appointed head coach for the coming season.

With club founder and last year’s player/coach Craig Fisher only available part-time due to work commitments, the club turned to Buck to provide an experienced hand to guide them through their first season in the top flight.

Chairman Paul Henson said: “Craig has done a fantastic job getting the club to where it is in such a short space of time and we hope he will continue to play and assist with coaching when he is available.

“The coming season will be a real challenge and we need a full-time coach with experience to help us cement our place in this highly competitive league. When we knew Buck Armstrong was available and willing we jumped at the chance to have him on board for the season ahead.”

This experience will be essential as the Titans are scheduled to face Wath Brow in the opening fixture of the season which kicks off at 6.30pm next Wednesday (August 27) at the Grasmoor Sports Centre.

The Titans train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Highfield in Cockermouth and new players are welcome along. For more information contact club chairman Paul Henson on 01900 822285.