West Cumbria’s two National Conference League Premier Division sides suffered defeats on the opening day of the season.

Wath Brow, who finished top of the table last year, were beaten 14-6 at home by Hunslet Club Parkside, while Egremont travelled to Rochdale Mayfield and were beaten 30-10.

Wath Brow had actually gone in front on 16 minutes with a try by Curtis Teare but the lead lasted just 10 minutes as Jack McShane scored a try, converted by Andy Hullock.

A penalty from Cole Walker-Taylor ensured it was level at the break.

It stayed all-square until the final quarter, when McShane crossed for his second try and Jamie Fields put over the conversion before giving his side more breathing space with a subsequent penalty.

At Rochdale Mayfield the contest with Egremont Rangers was even in the first half, with the hosts opening up an early lead with a try from Lewis Butterworth which was converted by Cole Connolly.

They doubled their lead when winger Brad Cartland got in for the second try, converted by Connolly, but Egremont managed an important score two minutes before the break when Leon Crellin got over and Billy Thompson converted.

The game was taken away from Egremont with two more converted tries early in the second half as Chris Hough and Nick Hargreaves crossed and Connolly converted both.

Egremont gave themselves hope when Matty Bewsher went over on 64 minutes but Mayfield sealed the win with a try four minutes from time by Liam Donnelly which Connolly improved.

Kells started life in Division One with a 22-0 home win over Leigh Miners Rangers.

They established an 8-0 lead by half time with tries from Martin O’Neil and Tyrone Dalton and a brace of tries from Reece O’Neil in the second half saw them home. Ross Gainford landed two conversion and a penalty.

In Division Three, Hensingham suffered a 24-22 defeat at Drighlington.

Jack Kellett had the opportunity to draw the match but his conversion attempt to Luke Charlton’s late try was off target.

Kellett had earlier kicked three goals, while the other Hensingham tries had been scored by Taylor Richardson, Steve Smith and Charlton.