Egremont Rangers and Wath Brow to provide the derby entertainment in the National Conference Premier Division

It’s the first all-west Cumbrian clash of the new season which began in differing fashion for the pair last weekend.

For while Wath Brow were digging deep to beat West Hull 18-12 at Red Beck, Egremont were succumbing 34-8 to league newcomers Myton Warriors.

It hasn’t been the best of starts to the season for the Hornets with early defeats in the Challenge Cup and National Cup.

But the biggest loss was that of club stalwart Gavin Curwen, whose sudden death deeply affected the tightly-knit community.

Saturday’s excellent win over old rivals West Hull would have been dedicated to Gavin’s memory, a fitting way to remember his immense contributions to the club over the years.

That victory certainly kick-started the league season after such a faltering start in the cup competitions.

For Egremont, it was something of a setback, losing to Myton after two good Challenge Cup wins and a gritty showing at York City Knights.

But early injuries have not helped their cause and the new coaching team will be looking to put out a stronger team against the Hornets.

No doubt about the happiest man in the National Conference Premier on Saturday night – Kells’ coach Peter Smith.

Despite losing seven players, through one reason or another, from last season Smith took his Kells side to Leigh Miners Rangers, beaten Grand Finalists last year.

On paper it sounded a tough task but Kells made light of it, easing to a 56-12 victory. They scored 26 points in the first half and another 30 after the restart.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more from the lads who came in," he said.

"They were outstanding and it was an encouraging way to start the season."

They hope to follow up tomorrow, and no doubt Smith will have had a word with Egremont officials, as they host their conquerors Myton Warriors.

The Cumbria Men’s League teams are involved in the second round of the BARLA Cumbria Cup tomorrow.

Glasson Rangers, who enjoyed a hard-fought 18-10 derby win over local rivals Ellenborough at the weekend, travel south to take on Roose Pioneers.

Hensingham got through when Maryport were unable to raise a side for their first round clash at the Athletic Ground.

As a result, Hensingham host the Cumbria Men’s League champions Distington, who will still be strong despite losing a couple of players to the pro ranks.

Wath Brow Hornets and Seaton Rangers are on the road south for their second round ties.

The Hornets second string will take on Ulverston while Seaton have a date with Walney Central.

The Iggesund Cumberland ARL start tomorrow after they held special launch night at Derwent Park last Friday.

With Hensingham A and Seaton A deciding not to enter this season, and Gt Clifton Lions pulling out last week, the league only has seven clubs taking part but it looks as if it could be a very competitive league.

Aspatria Hornets will be looking to go one better in 2017 after coming close to grabbing some silverware last year.

Greg Rowley‘s men were pipped to the Iggesund League title by winners Egremont A and were also beaten in the semi-final of the Top 4 play-off.

The club has had a very productive pre-season and have been bolstered by the signings of Shane Evitts from Maryport; Peter Fearon from Silloth RU and local youngster Alex Barton, who is an exciting talent.

The majority of last year’s squad has been retained and this should make for a more settled team for the new season.

Captain Luke Johnson continued his remarkable run of being an ever-present for the Hornets since their reformation in 2011.

Coach Rowley has also secured the services of Aspatria stalwart, Richard Holliday as his assistant coach for the upcoming campaign.

Once the whipping boys but getting stronger last season, Broughton Red Rose hope to improve again in what looks like a stronger league.

They hope to be pushing for a top four place this time round.

Cockermouth are the new boys of the league, having just reformed for the 2017 season.

They are, as yet, a bit of an unknown quantity, however their team would appear to be a good mix of youth and experience.

This season they aim to fulfil all their fixtures, while bringing the young lads up to open age that have stepped up from their youth system.

They have three new coaches in David Whitworth, Rob Lunt and Eddie Robinson who join the experienced Dave Varty in what they see as a learning curve.

Egremont A won the league last season and the team, which is regarded as a back-up to the club’s National Conference side, should be among the main contenders this time.

Flimby Vikings were one of the early front runners last season but faded away towards the end.

The coaches, headed by Kevin Pape, are hoping for an improvement on last season, and with the strong nucleus of players in a 28-strong squad, are looking for a top-four finish and a good cup run.

For the 2017 season, Kells are also hoping to finish the season in a top-four position and maintain good cup runs all the way to the finals.

They plan to continue and bring the young players through from their youth set up, and along with the older heads in the team, aim to preserve a good mix of youth and experience under new joint coaches Paul Cullnean, Stephen McCourt and Paul Halcrow.

Under coach Lee Allen and his assistant John Allen, Lowca are hoping for another top-four finish and to do well in the cups.

They currently have lots of young players so aim to nurture them as they see them as the future of the club.

Tomorrow’s games are: Aspatria v Lowca; Flimby v Egremont.