Upper Eden have been confirmed as champions of the Cumbria League after their 26-10 win at Whitehaven.
But there was very little in a tough, uncompromising contest until the final ten minutes when the visitors pulled clear to clinch another five-point win.
At 14-10, the game was still finely poised until Upper Eden scored their two late tries to carry them clear.
John Blue, Richard Addison, man of the match flanker Will Birkbeck and Matty Sanderson scored for Upper Eden who have now won all 13 games.
They can’t be caught at the top and the next objective is to win their last three remaining games to go through the League season with a 100% record.
They still have to go to Hawcoat Park and Workington, while the remaining home game is against Egremont.
What it means for next season, though, is still uncertain with the National League structure under more re-organisation and plans not definitely confirmed. They could be in North Two West or stay in the Cumbria League – a clear picture should emerge before the end of the season.
Whitehaven, who are battling with Wigton to finish runners-up, scored their try through Callum Jennings with Kieran Mewes converting and adding a penalty.
They will conclude their season with trips to Workington and Furness, along with a home game against Millom.
