County cup final fever is gripping the district as Penrith and Upper Eden rugby teams prepare to lock horns in the Cumbria showpiece at Kendal on Saturday afternoon. Penrith are nine-times winners of the competition, while Upper Eden, who have suffered just one defeat in their last 43 games following an extraordinary unbeaten run, are finalists for the first time.
In Kirkby Stephen, supporters Amy Goodman and helper Bryony Young have teamed up to back Upper Eden by printing out and distributing good luck posters. “I was keen to show support and printed off a few posters for my shop and a few others in the town,” said Amy, who runs Rockers Podiatry and Chiropody. “I had a patient not turn up, I ran out to do it and before I knew it we had handed out more than 100! It’s hard to spot a shop or any premises without one.
“The team has been so good over the past three years, going 40 games unbeaten, culminating in an amazing county cup semi-final win against Kendal. It felt like the whole town was up at Pennine Park cheering on the boys for that game, and I wanted the team to know we were all behind them going into the final.”
Amy, whose husband, Richard, coaches Eden’s under-12s, added: “These are all local lads who are representing the town, and we are all so proud of them and wanted to show them. It feels like cup fever has once again gripped the town and everyone seems to be talking about Saturday’s game.
“Whatever the outcome, we are just immensely proud of them. If they win it would be spectacular — we’re rooting for them.”
