Hundreds of supporters from both Penrith and Upper Eden will make the trip to Kendal tomorrow to see the much anticipated first ever all-Eden Cumbria Cup final (3pm kick-off).
On paper, Penrith, who are nine times winners of the competition, would be most people’s favourites. They play a level above Upper Eden and have just won that league, gaining promotion. However, the Kirkby Stephen-based side have had a phenomenal couple of years, losing only once — a fortnight ago — in 43 games and are on the verge of promotion. On their way to the final they have beaten Aspatria — who play in the league above them — and Kendal, who play two leagues higher.
Penrith’s last cup final victory came in 2019 against Kendal at Carlisle — and they are still the holders because of disruption following COVID and the competition being cancelled last year after only three clubs entered. Meanwhile, Upper Eden are finalists for the first time.
Jamie McNaughton, joint captain of a Penrith side who have clinched promotion to level five as champions of Regional 2 North of the Northern Division, said he expected a tough game.
“Both teams are full of confidence and both are in form,” he told the Herald. “They’ve obviously been on a massive unbeaten run. I know they got beaten the other week but that doesn’t mean much. I think it’s going to be a real tough game. They’ll be physical and dead up for it.
“I’ve been hearing it’s going to be a big crowd. It should be good. I’m looking forward to it. The last county cup final I was injured and had to watch from the sidelines. It’ll be good to hopefully help the team get the double that we deserve.”
Focusing on the large number of supporters heading to Saturday’s showpiece, he added: “We don’t really get it that much around here, especially the level that we’re playing. I think people will relish it and I definitely enjoy playing in front of a lot of people. I think it brings the best out of myself and most people. Hopefully, we’ll be on the right side of that result.”
Jamie’s co-captain, Adam Howe, said that on paper Penrith should win the final, but anything could happen on the day. “In the semi-final Upper Eden bullied Kendal, who perhaps went into the game a bit blazé,” he said. “Fair play to them though, they came back from being down in the second half.
“We can’t take anything for granted. They have a few good players — a good core. We just need to keep ourselves focused and not think about them — we need to treat it as just another Saturday.”
Upper Eden player/coach Oli Luke, who is a PE teacher at the town’s grammar school, said: “On 17th July last year we set our goals for the season and the main one was to win the league. Promotion was our main target, but to win the cup would be the icing on the cake.
“I can’t describe the excitement as a club, as a group of mates, and as a town just to be involved.
“We are looking forward to playing in front of a good crowd — I think that will make us work even harder. We have played hard to get here — let’s just enjoy the day.”
Luke conceded that the mood around the team had been “more relaxed” since they lost their unbeaten tag with a 10-5 defeat by Cockermouth last month.
“We knew we would lose at some point. I think it came at the right time as it seems more relaxed around the club now,” he said.
Upper Eden chairman Neil Marston said: “This is the first time ever that the club has reached the county cup final. We are all extremely proud of the squad as this is a fantastic achievement on the back of recently going 41 games unbeaten.
“We have two league games remaining but our focus this week is clearly on the final. We have a tight-knit group of players who play for each other. The large majority have come through the mini/youth section together and they epitomise the core values of rugby on and off the pitch.
“We are fortunate to have a great group of volunteers who support and assist the team. The whole town of Kirkby Stephen has got behind the squad and this is reflected in the need to put five buses on for the final. I would like to thank all the squad members, volunteers and supporters for their continued support.”
Penrith president and past player Charles Graves said the club were taking three coach-loads of people to Kendal. And he fully understood the excitement across Upper Eden.
“I remember when we got to the final in 1985, having not been there since 1960,” he said. “It was a big thing for us, especially against Aspatria, who were top dogs then. It was huge and even my mother went having never seen me play before!
“I think it’ll be a grand day out.”
