rugby union By John Walsh

Last updated 11:26, Friday, 04 April 2008

CARLISLE have lost their star back-row forward Simon Jewitt who has announced his retirement.

The decision to hang up his boots has followed a failure to recover from a persistent neck injury.

In his fifth season at Warwick Road, he had been a regular in the previous four years since arriving in the city to practise as a solicitor.

Jewitt, 30, hails from the Hexham area and he has now gone back there to work.

He says: “I intended to travel over and play but after just a few games at the start of the season I realised my neck problem wasn’t getting any better.

“I’ve also had a knee injury, too, which hasn’t helped so it was with some reluctance I have decided to call it a day.

“I have no plans to stay involved in the game at the moment, but that might happen some time in the future. I think my leisure time will be spent walking and hiking, which I enjoy a lot.”

Jewett played his junior rugby with Tynedale, and returned to the club after completing his University studies before landing his first job in Carlisle.

“I joined the Carlisle club and didn’t know a soul but very quickly that changed. I have really enjoyed my time with the club and there have been some memorable games.

“There are some talented coaches and players at the club who must be scratching their heads at the moment wondering why they are struggling a wee bit in the League.

“I’m sure they are going to get back on an upward curve and the big thing about the club is that it has such a very good youth police in operation.

“There are some outstanding young players at Carlisle and people like Joe Graham and Matt Charters both have big careers ahead of them,” he said.

Jewett’s form in the Carlisle pack meant that he was called-up to the Cumbria squad and won his cap after appearing in County Championship rugby.

Carlisle secretary David Morton said: “Simon was a strong force in the pack and to some extent, the fact that he has been missing for most of this season, has had an impact on the ability of the city side to dominate the forward play.

“He was a fine example for young players to look up to, both on and off the field, and he will be missed. The club wish him well in the future.”

Although Carlisle’s first team had a break from League and Cup duties at the week-end there was still plenty of action.

Carlisle Crusaders had a handsome 53-5 win at home to Darlington in the Candy League while the Hornets beat Penrith 24-5 in the Cumbria Shield League.

To complete a hat-trick of victories the Colts won a tight clash at home to Dumfries by 3-0.