rugby union By John Walsh

Last updated 09:19, Saturday, 07 June 2008

PENRITH will open the 2008/09 season in North Two East with a home game against Gateshead Fell.

The Winters Park side are back where they were when they gained promotion to North One two years ago.

There was some debate as to whether they would drop down into North Two West (from where they had switched a year before winning promotion) but it’s to where they were champions in 2005/06 that they find themselves.

The club's press officer Mike Sanderson said: “We are delighted to be placed in N2E with Carlisle and Aspatria, as not only does this mean two shorter away trips but four Cumbrian derby games and the likelihood of some bumper crowds.

“It’s also nice to renew acquaintance with Gateshead Fell as we used to play them on a regular basis prior to the leagues forming.”

Others in the League will be: Old Crossleyans, Durham City, Pontefract, Sandal, Ilkley, Driffield and Billingham.

Robert Dawson will continue as captain for a second season and Mike Raine comes in as vice captain. He was last season’s player of the year and players' player.

New coach Stuart Connell is said to be “keen to get into situ asap after being involved in the Cumbria county set up.”