Saturday saw a welcome return to rugby at Kellet Road as Upper Eden made the trip down the M6 from Kirkby Stephen to try and reclaim the John Marsden Shield which has been in Carnforths trophy cabinet for a few years.
Following the decision to withdraw from the league in the summer - Carnforth were keen to keep the club going in some capacity and Upper Eden were honourable in their word to fulfil the fixture and we thank them for that.
Carnforth were able to field a squad of 19 players with Andy Waite and Kylo Gorman the two debutants in club colours. Shane Weed was the skipper for the day and he was keen for the club to keep a grip of the Shield. Plenty of support on the sidelines for both teams who anticipated a typical North Lancashire/Cumbria derby game - arranged as a friendly but a full bloodied affair saw an excellent game of rugby which was well refereed by Martin Powell.
Both teams were looking to entertain the decent crowd with Eden having some quality in the backs and the back row and Carnforth were looking to shake off some rustiness with most players enjoying their first game of the season. The game is played between the two clubs in memory of John Marsden - John was a founder member of Carnforth and in his years as a Cumbria referee he grew a special bond with the Eden club - John would be proud that this game continues in his memory.
Eden took an early lead with a penalty before hit back strongly. Jason Short, Matti Davenport and Dan Blenkharn forged a great understanding in the back row and along with Gorman and Jack Edmondson in the centres, Carnforth were able to claim the lead when second row James Skitt was able to power through for a try.
Eden had some strong runners and within minutes of falling behind they had retaken the lead with a well worked forwards try. Carnforth went back at Eden with some solid drives up the field against the elements - Nick Hamer, Adam Seaton and man of the match Shaun Hodgson making breaks, winger Jamie Hardy almost sprinted away but for a last ditch tap tackle.
After withstanding the pressure the Eden flanker was able to obtain the ball and break free to silence the home crowd with a try under the posts, also converted for a 10 point lead.
On the stroke of half time and Edmondson got his team back in the contest, Gorman broke clear before he released Edmondson on half way with plenty to do but the centre powered down the wing before scoring a fine solo try and a half time deficit of 10 - 15 to the Cumbrians. Carnforth were using the subs wisely with Harry Evans, Andy Waite, Mathew Short and Steve Mallett getting decent game time. Eden had been playing since August and their fitness started to tell as they opened the second half with a try.
Carnforth refused to buckle and wanted to keep their unbeaten start to the season intact !! - Blenkharn got his side to within 5 points as he was able to burst through from a quickly taken penalty from Mathew Short, full back Steve Wilkinson added the conversion as the score stood at 17 - 20 with 15 minutes to go.
Back came Jason Short to the field of play and he started to make the breaks for Carnforth as the hosts looked to get back in front. Eden had other ideas and frustration crept into Carnforths game as they conceded two quick penalties - both converted - one just going over the cross bar but the other struck superbly to claim a 9 point lead - a lead they held onto until the final whistle.
Eden claim the game and the John Marsden Memorial Shield - we thank them for the game and for travelling down to the clubhouse afterwards.
Carnforth - thanks to those that played and to the support on the sidelines - our next venture is at Powderhouse Lane on 16th December as we face the Vale of Lune Vets in the Andrew Crowe Memorial Shield. The return fixture at Upper Eden is also confirmed for Saturday 3rd March with a coach being booked also.
Steve Wilkinson, Jamie Hardy, Jack Edmonson, Kylo Gorman, Phil Metcalfe, Nick Hamer, Donald Haddow, Shaun Hodgson, Dave Hones, Shane Weed (c), Adam Seaton, James Skitt, Matti Davenport, Dan Blenkharn, Jason Short
Subs - Mathew Short, Harry Evans, Andy Waite, Steve Mallett
Man of the Match - Shaun Hodgson