Egremont came close to a shock victory on Humberside in the National Conference Premier Division when they were denied by a last-gasp try and conversion.

It gave West Hull a 28-24 win and left the Cumbrians still searching for their first point after three games.

But coach John Paul Brocklebank would take a lot of heart from this effort as his team came so close to what would have been an excellent victory.

It was late in the first half when Egremont scored their fourth converted try to lead 24-18 at the break. After a hard-fought second half, they were within touching distance of the finish line when West Hull snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Egremont took the lead on seven minutes with the first try of the game from hard-working Kieran Glenn, which was converted by Matty Bewsher.

West Hull were quick to retaliate with two tries from Luke Foster and Ben Arbon, both converted by Foster.

Brad Hailes scored a try, and Bewsher converted to level the scores and it was Glenn who powered through for the fourth Egremont try. Bewsher’s conversion had them ahead by six points at the break.

That deficit was cut two minutes after the restart when centre Richard Squires was put through to score but it stayed at 24-22 until the very last play of the game.

Almost home and hosed, Egremont allowed prop Scott Howland to get in for a try which Foster converted to secure the victory.

Hensingham and Walney will contest the final of the BARLA Cumbria Cup after contrasting semi-finals.

Hensingham had to battle hard for their 26-14 win at Ulverston but Walney had plenty in hand as they hammered Glasson Rangers 62-8.

Hensingham scored five tries in the south of the county, while their hosts countered with three – all scored by Johnny Hutton. Connor Saunders converted one.

The tries that won it for Hensingham were scored by Josh Rogerson (2), James Cartmel, Finn Barwise and Jordan Thompson. Marc Bainbridge put over three conversions.

Walney had too much for Glasson in the other semi-final as they raced in 12 tries, seven of which were converted.

Glasson scored two unconverted tries by Sean Mumberson and Keenan Winter to give them some small consolation on the long trip home.

Mike Elliot (4), Stu Tippet (3), Lim Finch, Jordan Staferri, Jamie Morrow, Adam Nicholson and Brad Nichols. The conversions came from Elliot (4), Nichols (2) and Morrow (1).

Glasson had reached the semi-final stage by default after Roose Pioneers had conceded the tie.

That has now been followed by the announcement that Roose are withdrawing from the Cumbria Men’s League, but not for continued shortage of players.

The club says it is going to re-join the Barrow and District League and focus on developing the talent at the club to eventually be able to join the National Conference.

Cockermouth Titans made a winning return to the Iggesund Cumberland ARL when they beat Egremont Rangers 16-6.

It was a tidy scalp, too, as Egremont finished last season as table toppers and the victory will be a major source of encouragement.

Liam Wilde, Matt Skillen and Nathaniel May scored the Cockermouth tries, two of them converted by Regan Tinnion.

Anthony Leak got Egremont on the scoresheet by scoping a try and then adding the conversion.

Kells could be the front-runners this season and they were on the mark against Lowca, winning 24-10.

Jordan Herve (2), Danny Dougherty, Kieran Halcrow and Callum Kinrade scored the Kells tries with Ryan Doran converting two of them.

Paul McNally and Callum Sirkett scored tries to keep Lowca involved, with Sirkett improving one of them.