Penrith champions; Carlisle relegated; Kirkby Lonsdale relegated – these are the standout headlines for Cumbrian rugby in 2022/23.
The bulk of the league season will be completed on Saturday, and there are just two matters to decide in the county – will Keswick hang onto their league status and will Upper Eden earn a deserved promotion?
The Lakesiders look almost safe, but not mathematically so – with nine points on South Shields Westoe, who have two games left.
Keswick can make sure they stay up by bringing something back from Consett but Westoe have two away games to finish-off with.
They go to Carlisle and then finish off at third-placed Northern where they will be very unlikely to pick up the five points they require.
Their visit to Warwick Road should also give Carlisle the opportunity to round off their dismal season with a first victory. The city side complete their programme at Middlesbrough next Saturday.
Upper Eden have three games left to play – and require six points to make sure they finish top in Counties 1 Cumbria Conference.
They travel to Wigton on Saturday; go to Millom on March 25 and finish-off with the big one on April 1 at home to Cockermouth, the only team to beat them in three years.
Of course sandwiched in there on March 18 is the eagerly awaited showdown against Penrith in the final of the County Cup at Kendal.
Highlight of the season in Cumbria has to be Penrith’s title win in Regional 2 North, sealed in some style with big wins over nearest rivals Morpeth and then in front of their own fans against Consett at the weekend.
Pace and power, with a smooth blend of youth and experience, have powered Penrith to the title and an early claim for Cumbria’s team of the year.
They won’t want to finish a marvellous campaign with a low-key finish tomorrow when they travel to Durham City, a very capable side who would like nothing better than to put one over on the champions.
So a keen contest to finish the season and one Penrith will want to win with some style.
Aspatria, well satisfied with their season, still have two games to play – both tough ones as well. They travel to Middlesbrough tomorrow and next Saturday entertain Morpeth at Bower Park.
It’s been an horrendous season for Kirkby Lonsdale in Regional 1 North West where they have conceded over 1400 points still with two games to go.
After a record 190-0 drubbing at Blackburn they could feel almost celebratory about last week’s 51-8 defeat at Northwich.
Relegated weeks ago, Kirkby Lonsdale entertain Rossendale on Saturday and a week later host Wirral.
It’s been a disappointing season for Kendal who only have the two relegated clubs below them and have only won six of their 21 fixtures.
They will hope to finish on a high and make it seven wins when they host fourth-placed Sandbach on Saturday.
Matches in Counties Conference 1 are: Egremont v Cockermouth; Whitehaven v Millom; Wigton v Upper Eden. Counties Conference 2: Creighton v Workington; Penrith A v St. Benedict’s; Silloth v Hawcoat Park.
