Cockermouth produced a stunning performance to make progress in the Papa John’s competition.
The Wasps reached the quarter-final with a thrilling 20-19 victory over West Hartlepool at Strawberry How.
A bumper crowd enjoyed a hard-fought contest in which the visitors were losing for the first time this season.
The Durham Northumberland League champions (22 wins from 22 games) were pipped by a totally committed Cockermouth side, who will also be promoted next season.
Proud coach Jeff Clare said: “It was a marvellous day for the club and the town had really got behind us.
“The place was absolutely buzzing afterwards and I was very proud of the performance put up by the Cockermouth team.
“For it was a total team performance with everyone playing their part. There is tremendous confidence in the squad and we can’t wait for the draw to see who we’ve got next.”
West Hartlepool had opened the scoring early in the game with a converted try but it was Cockermouth who enjoyed a good slice of possession and territory after that.
Dan Woodcock got them on the scoreboard with a penalty, and was off target with a couple of others which could have given his side an interval lead.
However early in the second half Cockermouth did get in front when veteran forward Ian McDowell barged through and then stretched out for the try.
The game ebbed and flowed after that with West Hartlepool getting back in front 12-8 with an unconverted try.
Then in a crucial spell Cockermouth had them rocking as Jimmy Hunter twice got over the line, and with a conversion from Woodcock the hosts led 20-12 going into the last 15 minutes.
It was all hands to the pump when Wests scored a converted try to cut the deficit, although the Wasps did have a couple of opportunities from break-outs.
But the result hinged on a penalty two minutes from the end and fortunately for Cockermouth the West Hartlepool kicker was off target.
Flanker Ben Irving won the official man of the match award for Cockermouth, closely followed by two-try Hunter and McDowell – but really it was the all-round team ethic of the Wasps that won them the day.
