Given that Keswick and Upper Eden went into this match in seventh and eighth places respectively in Regional 2 North, separated by just three points, supporters from both clubs were expecting close game, writes Ben Challis.
And they were treated to a thrilling Webb Ellis County Cup Semi Final with Keswick taking the lead three times only for Upper Eden to claw back that lead and equalise three times, Upper Eden then taking the lead with a late penalty, and Keswick grabbing the win in the dying minutes with a final battling try at Davidson Park.
The match was played on a heavy and damp pitch under cloudy Cumbria skies, with the rain spitting down on a cold winter’s afternoon.
Keswick had the better start, driving Upper Eden back into their own half and using a line out in front of their club house to set up a driving maul to push Upper Eden over their own try line with Keswick player coach Garry Holmes touching down for an unconverted try with five minutes played.
It didn’t take Upper Eden long to respond, and the visitors went over for an unconverted try for a score line of 5-5 with 10 minutes played.
The two sides were clearly well matched, Upper Eden could use their strength in the scrum, Keswick won more but certainly not all of the line outs, and both teams showed both pace in attack and good and well organised defences.
Keswick retook the lead when forward charges from Ryan Weir and Jack Tinkler set up the Cumbria Under-18s captain Ashton Quigley who used his speed and strength to punch through the Upper Eden defence and stretch out to score with Joe Allday converting for a Keswick lead of 12-5 with 22 minutes played.
Battle recommenced and again there was nothing between the two sides, but a lovely move up the left wing saw Upper Eden camped on the Keswick try line and after one rebuffed attempt, and then a penalty, a driving maul saw Upper Eden go in under the sticks for a converted try with 35 minutes played and a score line of 12-12.
As the rain started to fall, there was just time for a second try for Quigley from a charge down the left wing with Allday making a tricky conversion for a Keswick lead of 19-12 at half time.
Five minutes into the second half it was all square again as Upper Eden went in under the sticks for a try which was duly converted for 19-19.
It was tense and both sides knew that the next score was potentially the match winner, and when Keswick gifted Upper Eden a penalty the visitors took their chance and Aiden Muller slotted the ball home for the three point lead (19-22) with 10 minutes left to play.
Keswick then almost retook the lead twice, firstly from a left wing attack led by Allday and then a Ryan Weir charge up the field which saw Weir tackled just short of the Upper Eden try line, before a subsequent driving maul on the left wing from Keswick saw a try from Matty Roper and a conversion from Allday, and Keswick were back in front on 26-22.
Four points ahead and still six minutes left to play – Keswick went on the attack and launched a final assault on the Upper Eden try line, only for Upper Eden to move the ball back into the Keswick half and then apply the pressure deep into Keswick territory.
Staunch defence from Keswick saw the clock tick down, and after a nerve shredding final play just five metres out from the Keswick try line, the time was gone, Upper Eden knocked on, referee Johnny Watson blew for time, and Keswick had held on for the win.
After the match, Holmes said: “Reaching the County Cup final is huge for the Keswick group. I have really good memories in the competition, winning it three times as a player.
“It’s a competition steeped in history and I am always proud to be involved. Keswick last won the trophy in 1955 and I believe that was the last appearance in a final – although I might be wrong!
“The lads pulled out a dogged performance, one that was far from pretty at times. We managed two tries that had our signature style of play making, good decisions and supporting with tempo.
“And I’m really pleased that the forwards created two tries where they took control and drove over.
“It was a tough day for the pack, however they pulled it together at the key times and I am really proud of all the lads. I thought Ashton, on his first start, had a massive game, showing physicality and pace.
“Our young squad is gaining more experience in these tough situations and you could feel that there was a real belief that Keswick could go on and win the game.
“Upper Eden have progressed massively this year, and could themselves have been heading to the final. A huge credit to them for helping showcase why Cumbrian rugby is a brilliant spectacle to watch.”
In the final, Keswick will face the winner of the second Cumbria Cup semi-final between Penrith and Kendal which will be played on Saturday February 21.
