WINDERMERE retained the Cumbria Cup at Penrith over the weekend, beating Kirkby Lonsdale 8-1, South Lakes 7-2 and Keswick 5-2.

After also finishing fourth in North League Division Two (West) it was the crowning performance of a remarkable season for Mere.

Starting out last September without nine stalwarts, coach David Birch and captain Chris Toward successfully re-shaped Mere with players stepping up from the club’s second team and some key new recruits.

North West League Division One side Keswick had hoped to topple Cumbria's top team but Mere were fully-focused on retaining the cup and proved the stronger side in fast-paced deciding game.