Upper Eden are preparing for their biggest game for over 30 years when they stage a Cumbria Cup semi-final tomorrow with Kendal.
You have to go back to the 1980s to recall the last time a home game captured the imagination of the Kirkby Stephen community to such an extent.
Club stalwart Trevor Braithwaite recalls: “It was the County Cup at a time when all the clubs entered and we beat Netherhall in front of a decent crowd. We went on to lose to Egremont who had some very good players at the time.
“I think this game is unquestionably bigger and I know that Kendal will be bringing a lot of supporters while rugby lovers from Kirkby Lonsdale, Penrith and Wensleydale have all expressed an interest in coming.
“I fully expect there to be up to a thousand people here for the game so it’s going to be a really busy and exciting day for the club.”
Indeed with no League fixtures planned for tomorrow Upper Eden v Kendal – a proper David and Goliath affair – has the stage to itself. Carlisle conceded the other semi-final to Penrith because a rising injury list had decimated their squad.
Upper Eden have been taking orders for a two-course meal in the clubhouse beforehand and had 106 bookings by mid-afternoon today.
To relieve the expected crush in the clubhouse Upper Eden have organised an outside bar as well with the weather forecast said to be set fair.
It wasn’t so fair last week when Upper Eden warmed up at Pennine Park with a 69-0 win over St. Benedict’s to maintain their long unbeaten record.
Oliver Bennett (2), Fin Rose (2), man of the match Jordam Newitt, James Birkbeck, Matthew BNrass, Sam Birkbeck, Rupert Civil, Will Birkbeck and Matt Allison scored the 11 tries. Bennet landed seven conversions.
To complete a good afternoon for Upper Eden, demonstrating how they are a club on the rise, the second team beat Benny’s 2nds 70-5.
As far as the Cup game is concerned the hosts have suffered a blow as unfortunately number eight forward John Blue, a Sedbergh School pupil who has been outstanding for them, has to miss out with a knee injury.
