Easter Sunday saw Carnforth travel to Kirkby Stephen to face great friends Upper Eden - the game was billed as the last ever game for Carnforth Rugby Club but both teams are keen to keep this fixture going. A full coach of players and supporters travelled up North along with quite a few in cars - the hosts also had plenty watching as the gate receipts swelled considerably. A squad of 21 players was assembled with Dan Blenkharn taking charge of the side.
The kick off was taken by Graham Liddy - a Carnforth member who played in the clubs first ever game nearly 40 years ago. Eden have been playing most weeks in the Merit leagues and are always a tough team to face. They are a no nonsense team who graft for each other and for the first 15 minutes no one could envisage the score line that the game ended. Eden kept Carnforth pinned back in their own 22 with forward drives but the Carnforth resistance was solid - John Greenland, James Skitt, Jason Waterhouse and Michael Blanchard all putting in crunching tackles to keep the hosts at bay.
Carnforth were able to break and full back Mathew Short sent a long kick up the field, winger Alex Talbot, back in a Carnforth shirt for the time in years, showed he had not lost his pace as he eventually scooped the ball, Joe Harrison took the play on before flanker Brad Wheatman received the ball, plenty to do but a turn of pace saw Brad speed away for the opening try, Mathew Short converted. 10 minutes later and again Carnforth took advantage of a mistake in the Eden backs as Jack Edmondson was able to power down the flank to score a superb solo try, Short adding the two via the posts.
Spirited on by a large crowd Carnforth were now seeing plenty of ball, Jason Short, Edmondson and Blenkharn linked up to allow hooker Sam Tomlinson the chance to stretch over the try line for a try, Short converting. Jason Short was at his typical best as he was making holes in the defence and from another break it was stand off Nick Hamer who went through for a try, Short converting. Moments before half time and again it was Edmondson who showed his class with another fine individual break to register his 2nd try, Short slotting again from near to the touchline for a 35 - 0 half time lead.
Eden are not a team to lie down and take defeat, they hit back early in the half with a well worked try following great work by their forwards once again. The home crowd maybe sensed a comeback from their team but Carnforth were not ready to buckle. Subs were used wisely with Dale Lowery, Jamie Hardy, Sam Ripley, Chris Albiston, Matti Davenport and a cameo 15 minutes from club legend Kevan Holden - all these getting decent playing time.
The game was a free flowing affair in the second half with both teams moving the ball well and a popular score soon came when Talbot was able to pick up from his kick ahead and fly down the middle of the park to dive over for a try, Short adding his 6th conversion. Minutes later and again Edmondson spotted a gap in the defence and he was able to glide through for his hat-trick try. Skipper Blenkharn, now at prop, was looking to get in on the try scoring action and with 10 minutes to go he was able to power through for another well earned try, up stepped Holden to slot over the two points.
Eden were not finished and they grabbed a 2nd try, also converted - once again a well worked try. The game was keenly contested in a hard fought battle - tempers frayed a little towards the end as both teams were reduced to 14 men following a bit of handbags and frustration. With the final move of the game Wheatman and Hamer linked up to allow scrum half/winger Kevin Hardy the chance to score - the ex first team skipper took the chance and went over in the corner to claim a 59 - 12 victory.
The referee signalled the end of the game and both sides came off to a standing ovation for the showing they had just displayed on the pitch - there was even time for Peter Sowerby to show his gymnastic skills on the bars.
Upper Eden - many thanks for the opportunity of this game - a great set of players at a truly wonderful club.
Carnforth - thanks to all the players and supporters that travelled - the day was superb and the celebrations went on long into the night. Lets keep this fixture going and all keep in touch.
Man of the Match - Jack Edmondson