Kells maintained their hold on NCRL's Division One top spot ahead of Dewsbury Celtic after a comfortable home success over a spirited, if youthful East Leeds.
With Rob Roberts back at the helm of East Leeds, they rolled into Cumbria with a number of suspension issues and unavailability, which saw them hand chances to seven younger players. Although ultimately outgunned, particularly in the second half by a strong performance from the hosts, there were plenty of proud efforts.
Kells got away to a fine start and led 12-0 inside the first eight minutes. First Dan Grears swept 50 metres from a scrum play. Then Harry Watson pounced on an error from the visitors inside their own twenty for Jacob Hodgson to scamper in at the corner. Ross Gainford hit the first two of his nine goals.
East Leeds responded when Luke Littlewood latched onto a loose ball and went 45 metres. Unfortunately, the halfback was hauled into touch. Two minutes later, Roy Railton was held up over the line.
Kells then laboured - struggling to find a way through before two tries in four minutes had them on the front foot. Grears went in on the left for his second try on 28 minutes after some accurate ball movement.
And next it was the turn of Karl Garner. He broke through the middle after 32 minutes. East Leeds then hit their hosts with a superb try, crafted deep within their own half. Owen Hughes cleverly kicked wide for Logan Roberts to latch onto the ball on the bounce and blaze 75 metres. It proved too wide for Littlewood to goal and the sides went to half-time with Kells leading 22-4.
The second half saw Kells find their groove and coming down the slope at the Welfare they proved near unstoppable. Clarke Chambers, who prior to this game had scored 15 league tries, hit the headlines.
His first try came four minutes in to the new half and was a spectacular 70 metre effort as he tore down the left side. More spirited resistance followed from East Leeds with Railton, and substitutes Kaden Johnson, Lee Cosgrove and Elliot Thompson all having their moments.
Kells wrestled back control when Ryan Starkie crossed with some alert dummy-half play. Nehmiah Mensah went close at the other end before some neat support brought Chambers his second try after 65 minutes. This opened the flood gates.
Outstanding home centre Lewis Smith crossed after 68 minutes and there were three more tries as Kells came home with a wet sail. Mensah went closest at the other end following a rare kick from Railton.
This came after home prop Dylan Grears ran through the middle for Kells. And there was still time for the destructive Oscar Cook to join the scoring party before Chambers rounded things off a minute from the end.
His third try and Gainford's goal haul securing the 62-4 win.
Full-time: Kells ARLFC 62 East Leeds 4
By Dave Parkinson
Photo Credit: 13 Pro Am Community RL
