After one season in the North West Men's League, Walney Central are going back up the coast and rejoining the Cumbria League.

Fed up of not playing on a regular weekly basis last season, the Cents have opted to go back with the Marras, where several years ago they were very successful.

Coach Dave Warne is looking for a good season in the Premier Division of the Cumbria League, where his troops will come up against top sides like Ellenborough, Seaton and Maryport, along with Conference clubs Kells and Wath Brow's second strings.

Warne said: “It looks like it is going to be a strong league and one we are all looking forward too. One thing we can guarantee is we should be playing every Saturday.

"Last year at one stage it was terrible - we went about three months without a home game.

"North West clubs were not keen on coming up, but we always went down to their grounds. It was not good, players were getting fed up and the cash wasn't coming into the club."

When last in the Cumbria League, along with other Barrow based clubs, Walney were champions on two occasions, Knockout Cup winners and Grand Final winners, having a really strong side under coach Gary Broadbent.

That team included the likes of Brad Nichols, Liam Finch, Andy Litherland and Danny Morrow, who all played for Barrow Raiders.

For the coming term, Nichols and his half-back partner Jamie Morrow have hung up their boots and will be difficult to replace.

However, back and fully fit after lengthy spells out last season will be Matty Holmes and Jamie Ralph, along with Dec Gavin. Also back to boost the ranks is lively hooker Luke Bailey, following a stint in Australia.

"To have Luke back is a bonus then again and we have two other good number nines in Matty Elliott and Dec Gavin,” said Warne.

“We were made most welcome by Kenny Millican and the Cumbria League's committee and I personally am looking forward to the Cumbria Cup and to pick up a winners' medal, as I've lost in four finals in the past.

"We have two good pre-season warm-up games with Barrow Island and Millom coming up as well."