Kirkby Lonsdale are celebrating after avoiding a second successive relegation, thanks to a remarkable finish to the League season.
The RFU have confirmed that the first XV will continue in the Regional 2NW division next season although finishing next to bottom.
Their record was better than other clubs liable for the drop in similar League positions and they will retain their status for 2024/25.
It was down do some outstanding performances at the end of the season when the fixture list suggested they would earn precious few points.
But instead they rose to the occasion. They lost narrowly 30-29 at home to champions Birkenhead Park; won 20-19 at third-placed Bowdon and on Saturday rounded it off with a 28-12 home win against fourth-placed Crewe and Nantwich.
Head coach James Hadwin said: “Well done to everyone at the club. We survived, but only just! 41 points is normally enough to keep a side up and that’s proved to be the case.
“Everyone at the club should take time to appreciate this achievement. For a club to go from a record points loss the previous season to getting 12 points out of a possible 15 against three of the top sides in the league to stay up, is a huge effort.
“To keep everyone positive and things all going in the right direction in the face of adversity is something everyone should be very proud of. I know I am!
“We’ve now got a few games to focus on to keep the momentum going with the second team facing Liverpool St Helens and then we move onto the Papa John’s Cup where we play Keswick. They are two more opportunities to keep spirits high.
“Lessons will be learnt from this season and this young squad will come back stronger for the experience. The future is bright, the future is Red, Black and Amber!”
Kirkby Lonsdale were given a walkover in their first Papa John’s Cup game as Cockermouth pulled out and they will host Keswick on April 20.
