The longest unbeaten run in Cumbrian rugby was ended on Saturday when Upper Eden went down 10-5 in an absorbing game at Cockermouth.
It was the first time the Kirkby Stephen side had lost since February 2020 as they have dominated the Cumbria League and are set for a deserved promotion to Regional 2 North.
This was always expected to be a close, hard game and Cockermouth’s splendid victory owed much to a superb defence and the ability to take the points when they were available.
Eden had received the kick-off into a stiff breeze and were immediately put under pressure by the home forwards. The home pack had the upper hand in the set scrums and they were awarded a penalty early on which Dan Woodcock kicked for a 3-0 lead.
Eden’s best work in the first-half could have brought them a try. They were awarded a scrum on the 22-metre line which saw Sam Birkbeck pick-up at the back and he drove down the blind side before feeding Ollie Rose. He looked for Sam Edgar but he couldn’t take the pass and Cockermouth regained possession.
Driving the ball back into the Eden half the home team were eventually awarded a scrum close to the Eden line and drove over for number eight Will Gate to get the touch down. Woodcock converted.
Prior to half time Eden suffered a blow when James Birkbeck received a yellow card.
From the re-start Cockermouth were awarded a penalty for a high tackle but Woodcock couldn’t add to the Cockermouth lead as his attempt went wide.
Joss Warren cleared the ball out of defence and Eden were then awarded a line-out in the opposition’s 22 but the ball could not be gathered.
Cockermouth were defending for their lives and Eden were awarded a series of penalties, which they opted to kick for the corner to keep the pressure on the home defence. A Cockermouth player received a yellow card at this point.
Eden continued to drive into the Cockermouth defence with Matt Allinson and James Birkbeck to the fore and they did cross the home line only to be held-up.
Eventually, though, the pressure told and following a series of short drives Will Birkbeck crossed to score and pull the League champions back into it at 5-10.
Cockermouth were awarded a line-out on the visitors 22 and then from a scrum Will Gate just couldn’t manage to ground the ball.
But it was all hands to the pump in the closing stages as Eden tried desperately to salvage their great unbeaten run. Twice more they crossed the home try line but each time were held up.
Eden launched a number of attacks on the Cockermouth line but were thwarted by a strong and determined defence, along with the final pass going awry. Time ran out for them and a super effort from the home side had ended the glorious unbeaten run by their visitors.
Cockermouth Club president Steve Stainton said: “We are super proud at Cockermouth that 85% of that winning team have come through our junior pathway at the club.”
Skipper James Hunter added: “I would just like to say thank you to everyone involved from bar staff, bag man and players because they have all had a part in that win – one club, one family.”
Upper Eden hadn’t been beaten for almost three years – early February 2020 – and since then have gone 41 games without their colours being lowered.
Club chairman Neil Marston said: “To go 41 games unbeaten is a tremendous achievement and I am extremely proud and honoured to be associated with such a great group of lads. They epitomise the core values of rugby and are a tightknit bunch that play for each other.
“Well done to Cockermouth, all good things must come to an end and we look forward to entertaining you at our place. It was a close game that could have gone either way. We crossed the line three times to be held-up and the Cockermouth defence was outstanding.”
