Although two results didn't go Cockermouth’s way at the weekend, there were a lot of positives to take from the games.

The main one was the club managed to get two teams to travel away when they are struggling through a period of many injuries and unavailabilities.

Another huge plus, with the future in mind, was that the first team consisted of six players under the age of 20 while the second XV included eight players under the age of 18.

The first team lost 24-17 at Furness in the Cumbria League Cup while the seconds were beaten 22-5 at Ambleside.

John Irving, making his debut in difficult circumstances, was outstanding from full-back for the first team, being chosen as man of the match by the home supporters.

Captain James Hunter, Adam Brough and Thomas Peet showed their commitment to the cause by taking a break from family holidays to play in the game.

Veteran Chris Wright, the club coach, was included on the bench but unfortunately just before kick off a player en-route, Andrew Branthwaite, phoned in to say he had broken down and wasn’t going to make it.

The game ended up a close one, very physical on a boggy pitch.

The Cockermouth pack again dominated up front in the scrum and managed one penalty try from this.

Other tries were added from strong close line finishes by Brough and James Sewell, while Ross McGuire added one conversion.

Furness always had the edge with more ball carrying forwards and a quicker, more physical back line.

They scored the first try of the game and the last to ensure they were always in the lead through-out.

The second team were dropped off at the Ambleside pitch to find a huge bog awaiting them and the realisation it was going to be a soggy afternoon.

Ambleside were able to call on the University population and have developed a very good social club, as well as a strong team with good numbers.

The Cockermouth pack battled well up front led by man of the match Jack Gaskell, and the experienced Dave Legg.

The young Cockermouth back line was desperate to get going with ball in hand but the pitch was against them.

Fly-half Rhys Burr scored the Cockermouth try, but Ambleside had a very good 15 minute spell in which they scored 12 points in the second half to ensure the points would be heading their way.