Kells have won the SJR Cumberland Cup for the first time in over ten years.

The Copeland side beat Seaton 30-6 at Maryport’s Athletic Ground on Friday night to get their hands on the trophy for the first time in the 21st century!

The final was delicately poised at half-time after Seaton had been awarded a controversial try just before the break to pull the score back to 12-6.

Although Kells scored again to lead 18-6 there was a great chance for Seaton to get back into it on the hour when player-coach Jon Roper made a 40 yard run down the middle but there was no-one with him in support.

In the end Kells scored two more tries in the last ten minutes and were comfortable, deserving winners in the end.

Kells had opened the scoring on seven minutes when former Whitehaven and Workington Town half-back Stephen Kirkbride went in, with Ryan Robb (pictured) added the conversion.

Kells doubled their lead on 21 minutes when Kevin Agnew scored the second try, again converted by Robb.

It stayed that way until a minute before the break when Adam McGlasson forced his way over for Seaton, despite Kells claiming he had lost the ball in the process. Duncan Moyle tacked on the conversion.

It was nip and tuck now and anybody’s game but crucially Kells got the next score on 52 minutes when Paul Culnean nipped over out wide and Robb landed a fine touchline conversion.

When Roper had no support on his powerful break Seaton’s chance started to evaporate and on 70 minutes Ashley McDonald raced 50 yards for the try which virtually wrapped-up the game. Robb converted.

Then on 75 minutes Culnean grabbed his second try to underline Kells’ late control, with Robb converting.

The only consolation for Seaton was that 16-year-old scrum-half Callum Phillips was named man of the match and was presented with the Gordon Robb Memorial Trophy.

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