Counties 1 Cumbria title favourites Upper Eden found Silloth a hard nut to crack at the Jim Brough Rugby Park before winning 34-10.
Perhaps the visitors underestimated their hosts who were certainly a more competitive unit than when they last met in the League three years ago.
They might have thought it was going to be too easy as they scored early in proceedings after some good handling took them to the home line and young number eight Sam Birkbeck crossed for an unconverted try.
Although they dominated possession and territory for the rest of the half some excellent Silloth defence restricted them to just one other unconverted try by flanker Will Birkbeck.
The second half was much more even and Silloth quickly got themselves into contention with an unconverted try. Josh Buckby did really well to fashion the try with Tommy Dixon for a good finish by Ellis Nixon.
Upper Eden responded well and scored their third try by Matt Allinson which was converted by Ollie Bennett who also added a penalty.
At 20-5 it looked as though the visitors had the game won but back came Silloth and tremendous work by Joe Baker created a second try for Nixon.
They really had the bit between their teeth and were pressing again in the Upper Eden 22 when the ball went to ground. It was hacked on by Ollie Luke and Sam Edgar chased 70 yards to get the try which Bennett converted.
That really was the game breaker and Upper Eden added another late try from Will Birkbeck, converted by Bennet to earn the points – but they hadn’t been happy with their own performance, leaving Silloth with renewed respect for their hosts.
