Cumbria Rugby Union officials and players breathed a sight of relief after clinching a place in the county championship for next season. The county side won its must-win play-off 27-18 against Notts, Lincs and Derby at Aspatria on Saturday to secure a place in next year's competition.

-Upper Eden captain Karl Haygarth won praise for three great years of captaincy at his club's annual awards night this week. Brian Allison won the club's top trainer' award; Paul Alderson, most improved player; Ralph Coleman, best young player; and the players' player award went to the first XV front row of David Hughes, Glyn Chester and Ian Gowing. Micky Longrigg gained the second XV players' player award.