After just over 50 years Maryport have been crowned Cumberland ARL champions.
They had to go to a play-off to claim the title of Premier Division winners, beating Seaton 22-12 on their own Athletic Ground.
In difficult conditions it was a tough, physical contest and a major battle between two physical, hard-working packs of forwards.
Seaton had actually scored first with a try on five minutes from Lewis Mason, which was converted by Conor McCrickard.
The home side hit back with an unconverted try from Joel Baker and soon afterward went in front with another unconverted try from Carl Steele.
Young half back Lewis Moore then opted to go for goal when Maryport were awarded a penalty and a successful kick stretched the Maryport lead to 10-6.
But right on half-time Seaton went in for their second try, this time under the sticks from Jaiden Tallantire and McCrickard’s conversion gave them a 12-10 lead at the break.
In the second half it was Maryport who dominated much of the play and they went in front when Keenan Winter dummied his way over for a try which Moore converted.
At 16-12 it was still anyone’s game but 10 minutes from the end Sam Forrester sliced through for the clinching try which was converted by Moore.
These two sides could be getting used to each other as they still have to meet in the Cumberland Cup final and are possible opponents in the Premier Division’s top four final.
To reach that final Maryport have to beat Lowca next week and Seaton have to get past Wath Brow A.
Hear Maryport coach Mark Foster’s thoughts below:
And here is what Gus Fraser thought:
The First Division Top Four semi-finals were programmed for yesterday but Egremont A couldn’t get a side to visit Hensingham A.
League winners Kells A did get a team together after a recent lack of numbers and they beat Aspatria 24-16 in a good contest.
Daniel Grears (2), Danny Dougherty, Jamie Reay and Corey Chambers scored the Kells tries with a goal apiece from Ryan Wood and Blaine Graham.
The Aspatria tries came from Keenan Foster, Jordan Moore and Lewis Fisher with two goals from Kieran Robinson.
The First Division Top Four final between Kells A and Hensingham A will be staged at Egremont this coming Friday, September 26.
