David Varty has been a player and then coach at Broughton Red Rose virtually since he could pick up a rugby ball.

Which is why he felt strange facing up to Red Rose on Saturday as coach to resurgent Cockermouth Titans.

In the end, Broughton came out on top 28-24 after a very competitive derby game.

The Red Rose have been improving season-on-season since they reformed three years ago, after Varty had taken on a coaching role at Cockermouth the previous season.

But then Cockermouth had two years out of senior rugby and, with Varty still at the helm, have come back looking stronger and better placed to survive.

“We went 14-0 up and had three tries disallowed for forward passes," said Varty.

"There was another missed try when our player tried to get round nearer the sticks and went over the dead ball line.

“But credit to Broughton. They came back really well in the second half and showed they wanted it, probably more than we did in a derby game."

The Titans won their opening game against Egremont a week earlier and tomorrow have a very attractive home game against Kells.

“I think clubs like Kells and Wath Brow are good role models for clubs at our level because they always have players coming through the different age groups," Varty added.

“At Cockermouth, we have two Under-16 teams and Under-14, and are looking to establish them from Under-7s right the way through.

“Rugby League is on an upward curve in the town at the moment with a lot of interest.

"We have 40 players signed on and some of the Cockermouth rugby union lads will join us when their season ends.

“I am fortunate in having a great back-up team of coaches in Eddie Robinson, David Whitworth and Rob Lunt."

Rob’s brother Shaun, the Super League star and captain of Hull KR, has been very supportive of the club where he learnt his rugby.

He has been helping behind the scenes, donating prizes for fundraising as well as boots and training gear for the player.

Shaun has also got the club a new kit sorted through one of his sponsors X-blades.

But the man who has done so much to get Cockermouth up and running again is Leam Wild, who is a player and virtually takes on the role of chairman.

“He organises fundraising events, gets sponsors and generally promotes the club," he added.

“I think the Titans have a bright future – and I can see the Red Rose doing well this season."

Although there are only seven teams in the Iggesund Cumberland ARL, picking the champions won’t be easy.

Hosting Kells will be a good test for Cockermouth and the other two matches tomorrow have an even look to them.

Red Rose will hope to follow-up their win at Cockermouth when they host Aspatria while Flimby and Lowca look well matched for their clash.

There’s a really tasty game in prospect at Hensingham where the home club entertain Distington in the Cumbria Men’s League.

You may recall earlier this month Hensingham ended Distington’s long unbeaten run with a golden point victory in the BARLA Cumbria Cup.

There’s no question Distington will be fired up for a revenge win but there’s a quiet confidence about Hensingham this season which will put them in good stead.

Two weeks ago, Glasson were put to the sword, conceding over 60 points in their BARLA Cumbria Cup semi-final at Walney.

Well, they have to do it all over again in the Men’s League tomorrow and clearly will be determined to put up a better show.

Seaton had a morale-boosting home win over Walney last week and will be favourites to follow-up when they host Wath Brow tomorrow.

Last week, Ellenborough beat Ulverston 23-14 at home, so it will be interesting to see how they fare in a quick turnaround as they travel to the south Cumbrian club tomorrow.

In the National Conference Premier Division, there’s a top versus bottom clash for one of our west Cumbrian sides.

Egremont Rangers, with four successive defeats, travel to league leaders Thatto Heath Crusaders who have won all four games – including a 30-4 victory at Kells last week.

The Gillfoot side have suffered two defeats late on in the game but know it will be tough at Thatto Heath.

Wath Brow are west Cumbria’s leading club at the moment, sitting second with a 100 per cent record from three games.

They will be favourites to make it four out of four at home to Pilkington Recs.

Kells dropped to fourth with that defeat to Thatto Heath and tomorrow visit bogey team Rochdale Mayfield.

They did the league double over the Whitehaven side – even spoiling coach Peter Smith’s birthday with a late try – and then knocked them out of the Challenge Cup this year.