By Robert Haile

The long wait is finally over as the National Conference League kicks off with Cumbria’s rugby league sides ready to go.

In the Premier Division Wath Brow Hornets kicked their campaign off with a 24-0 win over York Acorn and Kells ran out 12-25 winners at Leigh Miners Rangers on their return to the top division.

The other promoted sides didn’t do as well with Wigan St Patricks losing 42-14 at Siddal while Hull Dockers went down 54-8 to last seasons Grand Finalists Hunslet ARLFC.

West Hull got off to a winning start to their title defence with a 32-22 victory over Thatto Heath Crusaders and Rochdale Mayfield beat Lock Lane 28-18.

Just the one league game on March 11 and it’s a big one in Hull as Hull Dockers welcome West Hull.

In the battle of the relegated sides Pilkington Recs got their bid for promotion off on the right foot with a 30-22 win over Egremont Rangers.

Thornhill Trojans got off to a rough start with a 22-36 defeat to promoted Clock Face Miners as fellow former Division Two side Heworth miss out with a 28-26 defeat to Ince Rose Bridge.

The third side to come from Division Two, Crosfields were welcomed to the division with a 66-8 defeat to West Bowling.

In another close match Skirlaugh beat Oulton Raiders 26-24 as Stanningley won 30-10 against Featherstone Lions.

Egremont Rangers welcome Thornhill Trojans on March 11, Crosfields take on Ince Rose Bridge and Clock Face Miners face Pilkington Recs.

Featherstone Lions travel to Oulton Raiders and Heworth will hope to go one better against Skirlaugh.

In Division Two Barrow Island missed out in the playoffs and fell to a first game defeat to the same opponent as Woolston Rovers won 24-16.

Waterhead Warriors might have missed out on the Division Three title but an opening day 56-4 win over former Division One Milford sent them top.

Saddleworth Rangers started their bid to return to Division One with a 14-18 win over Normanton Knights while Myton Warriors lost 16-10 away to Dewsbury Celtic.

Division Three champions East Leeds drew a blank in a 0-44 defeat to Dewsbury Moor Maroons.

The match between promoted Shaw Cross Sharks and Wigan St Judes was abandoned as a Wigan player was seriously injured.

The Dewsbury derby takes place on March 11 with Dewsbury Moor Maroons host Dewsbury Celtic.

Milford take on Normanton Knights, Saddleworth Rangers face Waterhead Warriors and Woolston Rovers travel Shaw Cross Sharks.

Barrow Island welcome Wigan St Judes who will be back in action on Thursday March 16 when they welcome Waterhead Warriors to Wigan.

An explosive start to life in the National Conference League on March 4 for Ellenborough as they picked up a big win against fellow Cumbrians Seaton Rangers.

The newcomers ran in 10 tries with Zac Olstrom scoring four as Owen Hoyles picked up two tries and 10 conversions in their 6-60 win.

The Cumbrian derbies continue as Ellenborough host Hensingham, Seaton Rangers head to Millom as Division Three kicks off on March 11.

Eastmoor Dragons get their campaign underway at home to Drighlington, Beverley take on Bentley and Leigh East take on Oldham Saint Annes.