Ellenborough Rangers took a big step towards retaining the Holmen Iggesund Cumberland League title last night.
In their final game of the season they beat closest rivals Distington 12-10 in a hard-fought contest.
It means Distington will have to win their final game at Lowca on Saturday by a large margin to pip Elbra on points differential.
Ellenborough had got off to a flying start with a try on three minutes from Brett Stevenson which was converted by Owen Hoyles.
But Distington were able to turn round at 6-4 when Jack Speight crossed for an unconverted try on 18 minutes.
The home lead was extended to 12-4 on 54 minutes when Rhys Burr got over for a second Ellenborough try which Hoyles converted.
Distington put in a big finish and reduced the lead on 79 minutes when their man of the match Troy Armstrong scored a try which Scott George converted.
Gary Tierney, the prop Elbra signed from neighbours Glasson midway through the season, was named as their man of the match.
The CARL season in the Premier Division has been affected by three clubs pulling out, so the final League table will include a host of 24-0 score-lines for games which were not played.
The current League table is being checked but at first glance it appears that Distington might have to win by at least 60 points to snatch the title from the champions’ grasp.
