Last season’s two promoted teams Upper and Eden and Cockermouth met in Regional 2 North and finished all square, 10-10.
It proved a frustrating afternoon for the Eden players as final passes just didn’t go to hand to allow them to play their usual open running game.
As for Cockermouth they would have taken the result beforehand but in the end were very disappointed to go home with just a draw.
Playing up the slope in the first-half Cockermouth were put into good field posotions through excellent kicks by Ed Gate. Some impressive defence, led by Ryann Hetherington and Liam McAvoy made it hard for the home team to get out.
But with Eden defending well, Cockermouth’s inability to rack up points was evident again and Gate also missed a penalty opportunity.
Their job was made tougher when Hetherington was sin-binned for tackling the scrum-half when not back 10 metres from a tap.
It was from a penalty that Upper Eden chose to kick for the line-out which was secured, and a further penalty was given for offside. Ollie Rose stepped up to kick the points for a 3-0 lead.
Eden were dominating the set scrum and launched several attacks into the visitors half but the defence was strong. Good work at the lineout from Rob Dent allowed Will Birkbeck to attack the line but solid defence again thwarted the attack.
It stayed 3-0 at half-time but Cockermouth would be marginally the happier side at the break.
From the restart Cockermouth were quick on the attack as the forwards found their form. Will Gate, McAvoy, Ant Davies and Jimmy Hunter, well supported by Ben Irving got them on the front foot.
Although the backs saw enough ball the confidence is still lacking and the tries didn’t come. Jamie Preston missed a penalty but then nailed the next one.
Eden’s defence was solid throughout this onslaught and they regained the lead when Matthew Brass intercepted a pass on the halfway line and broke the defence to sprint away to cross the line for the first try in the game. Rose landed the conversion.
The visitors were straight on the attack following the restart but solid defence from Fin Rose, Sam Birkbeck and Josh Warren thwarted their best efforts.
Rupert Civil was given a yellow card for a high tackle and Cockermouth doubled their attacking efforts. They were rewarded when Spencer Fulton, with virtually his first touch as a replacement stepped through the line to beat three defenders and score a fine try in the corner.
Preston landed a fine touchline conversion which sparked a final onslaught from Cockermouth which nearly brought the winning try for Joe Palmer.
It was an encouraging response from Cockermouth after recent results and they will look for more improvement in the coming weeks. Upper Eden were frustrated but they, too, will make progress from this.
Cockermouth’s second team had a nail-biting 36-35 win over Wigton 2nds with one of the Colts Ethan Black landing the winning points from a drop goal.
A youthful Upper Eden Boars travelled to Horden and Peterlee and faced stiff opposition against an experienced team.
The Boars played some excellent open, running rugby and eventually ran out 29-12 winners. Scorers for the Boars were Sean Winder, Sam Edgar (2), Kian Nicholson and George Wilson. Standout performances were from Sam Edgar and Will Robinson.
Credit to Robinson who made a special round trip journey from Oxford to play for the Boars who were initially struggling for numbers but travelled with 16 in the end.
