Last updated at 15:58, Wednesday, 20 February 2013

CUMBRIA lifted the Under-19s County Championship title with a hard-earned victory over Lancashire at Aspatria.

TWO TRIES Matty Holmes attacks the Lancashire lineSTUART WALKER

They went in front after two minutes when Bradley Smith put in a kick to the corner and wingman Ryan Barnes gathered and scored. Jack Clarke slotted over the conversion, 6-0.

Lancashire clawed their way back and then ahead, scoring two quick tries and goaling one to make it 10-6.

The Cumbria forwards started to take control of the ball and prop Ian Curnow found a gap to go over and score.

Clarke added the conversion to put his side 12-10 up. As half-time approached, the hosts increased their lead when stand-off Carl Dixon took the ball 20 yards out and outstripped the Lancashire defence, 16-10.

The second half started with the Cumbria pack again making inroads, and it came as no surprise when Matty Holmes crashed over for two tries, both with players hanging on. Lewis Beckwith converted both to make it 28-10.

As the hosts dropped off the pace, Lancashire hit back and scored two tries, both converted, and cut the gap to 28-22.

This was the wake-up call for Cumbria and they attacked the Lancashire line again, moving the ball out wide for Barnes to go over for his second try. Beckwith converted to give Cumbria the championship.

Barrow Island’s Perry Singleton took the man-of-the-match award.

The victory formed part of a double BARLA Tri-Series success for the county, with the open age team triumphing 38-12 in their decider against Lancashire.

First published at 15:56, Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk