Egremont Rangers’ 44–16 defeat at Kells at the weekend in NCRL's Division One told you more about their 2026 season than any league table.
It was one of those afternoons where the story on the pitch matched the story of the year. A very strong start, real effort, young lads standing up, then a second half slide brought on by errors, tired bodies and a bench stretched thinner than anyone would like.
Coach Danny Barker didn’t dress it up. “It was a massive game of two halves,” he said, and you could hear the frustration in it. The first half was everything Egremont want to be: tough, organised, willing to go knock for knock in a proper derby. “We controlled the ball well. Kells controlled the ball well.” It was tight, honest rugby, and Egremont went in at the break deservedly in front.
Then in the second half, the whole thing flipped. “We didn’t help ourselves,” he admitted. Mistakes crept in, then multiplied.
A knock on here, a six again there, a penalty that didn’t need to be given. Every time they got a bit of momentum, they handed it straight back. “As soon as you invite a team like Kells onto you, they take advantage.” And they did, repeatedly, running downhill with fresh legs while Egremont’s middles were patched up and running on fumes.
The slope and the wind didn’t help, but Barker didn't hide behind them. “Both teams have got to play it,” he said. The real problem was depth. Injuries and knocks meant the rotation disappeared, and once the middles were stuck out there longer than planned, Kells simply rolled over the top. “They were probably scoring at will towards the end.”
If that sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Egremont’s season has been exactly what the coach called it: “hit and miss.”
"Some weeks we'll have the same 17," he said. "Other weeks we'll be scratching right for a side due to injuries and unavailability. But I think that's the same for everybody across the board due to festivals, holidays, player commitments, working shifts and stuff. So there's no excuses from us as long as we keep putting a 17 out on the field, the boys will be committed and they'll give the effort - 100% for the badge."
And there have been bright spots. Their win over Dewsbury Celtic last week was one of the best performances of their season, overturning an 18–4 half time deficit by tightening up, forcing errors and playing with real purpose. It showed what they can do when they stay patient and keep their discipline. The problem is repeating it week on week.
One thing that has been consistent is the development of their younger players. Barker spoke about them with real pride. Jaden Tyson, now settled at fullback after being moved around earlier in the year, looked sharp in the first half at Kells. “He’s found his place… he’s a confidence player.” Jack Pae, a rugby union lad learning the nine role, was “structurally sound” and delivered well despite having to play longer minutes with Dylan Morris away on England duty. Sam Williams has stepped up from the A team and "finished his try well." While Kaden Block, who would have played but for injury, is another in the pipeline.
These lads aren’t just filling gaps. They’re becoming part of the club’s spine.
Off the field, something bigger is bubbling away. Project 125 - marking the club’s 125 years. It is quietly moving forward. A new clubhouse, gym, physio rooms, community spaces, even a training barn that other sports can use. Barker has seen the plans. “It’s slowly simmering in the background…an exciting time to be part of the club.” It won’t just be for Egremont Rangers; it’ll be for the entire town.
As for the immediate future, Shaw Cross come to Gillfoot Park next. Egremont lost to them earlier in the season after a last minute mix up under a high ball. “My winger and fullback decided neither of them wanted it,” he said. There’s no time to dwell on the Kells defeat. “We’ll lick our wounds… we can’t be unhappy for too long.” There were some unhappy faces in the changing room after Kells, but the fix is simple: get back out there and put things right.
“We’ve only got a week to right the wrongs and get those two points.”
By Dave Parkinson
Photo Credit: 13 Pro Am Community RL
