The match of the day in Counties 1 Cumbria went the way of champions and leaders Upper Eden.
Both the hosts and visitors Egremont had gone into the game unbeaten but Upper Eden came out on top 29-0.
Prior to the kick-off a minute’s silence was held to remember Penrith player Ryan Johnson who died last week.
The early exchanges saw both teams launch attacks on the opposition’s half, but strong defence from Eden and Egremont kept the scores level.
Upper Eden were dominating the line-outs with Rob Dent stealing several of the oppositions throws.
Tom Mooney cleaned up at one such Egremont line-out and the ball was fed to Will Birkbeck who drove into the opposition’s half where he was awarded a penalty in front of the posts.
Matt Allinson converted for the first points of the game.
Following the re-start Isaac Dent was given a yellow card for a high tackle. After some tight exchanges Eden were awarded a penalty following an illegal clean-out on scrum half Richard Addison.
From the line-out the ball was fed to Dan Todd who passed to Rupert Civil, and he beat two defenders to score the first try which was converted by Allinson.
There was then a lengthy delay in play due to an Egremont player suffering a dislocated elbow.
A strong attack from Egremont just before half time was thwarted by strong defence from Civil and George Johnstone so that the home side led 10-0 at the break.
Following the restart Upper Eden got into their stride and put a few passages of good phase work together between forwards and backs which resulted in Addison scoring a try, which was converted by Allinson.
The visitors launched several attacks, but the home defence was strong.
Sam Birkbeck was effective in defence and took a ball on his 22, driving into the Egremont half where he was supported by his brother Will Birkbeck.
He drove into the heart of the defence for Cameron Dickinson to cross the line from close range to score and unconverted try.
Eden were now dominating the set pieces and first phase ball.
Sam Birkbeck drove the ball from the foot of a scrum and fed Lee Alderson who made good ground to put Allinson crashing over for the fourth try which he converted.
Egremont kept going strongly and an attack on the Eden line at the end was thwarted by Addison and Todd.
This was a very stern test for Eden as Egremont battled hard to the final whistle, but the hosts Eden were strong in defence and clinical in finishing when the opportunities arose.
This was the final game of 2022 for Upper Eden and they remain unbeaten for 37 games.
Man of the Match was Matt Allinson.
The two clubs also played a second team game which Upper Eden Boars won 45-10.
A blend of young and experienced Boars proved too strong for the opposition and they ran out clear winners.
The Boars team included veteran Jamie Longrigg who played alongside seven players whom he coached from minis up to youth and senior level including his son Flyn Longrigg.
The Eden try scorers were Alistair Barr (3), Brad Hall, Matty Bainbridge and Harry Wharton.
Man of the match Alistair Barr also landed four conversions with Jay Elliot kicking two and a penalty.
Prior to the first team game Upper Eden were presented with the Team of the Year award from Clare Paling, development officer of Active Cumbria.
Club chairman Neil Marston said: “Huge congratulations to everyone at the club and our 1st XV and their impressive statistics. To go 37 games unbeaten is a fantastic achievement.
“It’s an absolute honour to be chosen by Active Cumbria as Team of the Year. The award is testament to all the hard work put in by all the squad members and the backroom volunteers.
“The lads epitomise the core values of the Rugby Football Union – teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship which are what makes the game special and what makes this group of players extremely special as they enjoy the environment and culture they create.
“I must pay tribute to all the players, especially Will and James Birkbeck for leading the players on and off the pitch and to Oli Luke – player coach, all three have created a fantastic culture.
“Credit also to Dave Morland and Nigel Martin – joint chairmen of rugby, all the committee members and club volunteers and supporters.”