Distington are one game away from promotion in their first season of National Conference rugby league.
They will host Drighlington on Saturday to clinch promotion and join Hensingham in Division Two next season.
The village side clinched their place in the final with a hard-earned 26-22 win over Leigh East – a side who had beaten them three weeks ago 44-6.
Coach AidenWorthington said: “It was pleasing to turn round almost 40 points and I think we deserved to. After our start to the season, we did tail off but have some injured players back and are almost at full strength again.
“We have beaten Drighlington home and away but that means nothing in a final and they have signed a couple of ex-pros since last we played them.”
Drighlington got through to the final with a comfortable 64-22 win over Beverley.
Against Leigh East, Distington had established an 18-6 lead by half-time with tries from Gavin Martin, Jamie Friel and Bryan Ritchie.
Kieron Worthington improved the first and Stephen Clarke popped over the other two conversions – all after Leigh East had taken a shock fifth minute lead.
Friel, at hooker, was outstanding for Distington and he increased the lead with his second try after 50 minutes.
Easts cut the gap to 22-12 with a second converted try after 58 minutes but Nicky Cook scored again for the hosts 11 minutes from time.
However, in a big finish, Easts scored tries in the 74th and 78th minutes, one of which was converted, to give Distington an uncomfortable closing period – but they hung on for a fine win.
As well as Friel, coach Worthington picked out full-back Kelvin Lynch for special mention.
Distington are now Cumbria’s only play-off representatives as Wath Brow Hornets lost-out in the NCL Premier Division’s elimination semi-final.
They were paired at reigning champions Hunslet ARLFC and 10 minutes from time were still right in there at 12-12.
But two converted tries from the home side gave them a 24-12 victory and ended the Brow’s six-match unbeaten run.
Dean Rooney and Ellison Holgate had scored early tries, one of which was converted by Cole Walker-Taylor for a 10-4 lead.
By half-time the home side had edged in front 12-10 but that was cancelled out in the second-half by a Walker-Taylor penalty.
It was a brave effort from the Hornets who had struck form at the right time of the season, but just couldn’t see it through.
