RUGBY: Upper Eden finally banished the threat of being sucked into the relegation zone with a hard-won victory in a re-arranged North Lancs/Cumbria League fixture at Fleetwood.

Eden eventually triumphed 7-5 on a windswept and soft school pitch because Fleetwood were unable to use their waterlogged regular ground, the reason for the original postponement.

The playing surface did not favour the home side's speedy backs but Eden still had to work hard to hold them whenever the ball was moved wide in the early exchanges.

Centres Duncan Rose and Phil Sinclair saved the day on more than one occasion as Fleetwood threatened and Eden were starved of possession for long spells.

But when Eden did get the ball they rucked and mauled their way to the Fleetwood goal line where front row Glenn Carr picked up from a ruck and drove across the line from close range, leaving Dan Murray with a comfortable conversion.

Fleetwood hit back in determined fashion and when Eden failed to control a driving maul from a lineout they powered over for an unconverted touchdown.

Eden were unlucky when the referee to blew for half-time just as another series of drives, rucks and recycling phases was halted for a scrum with the line almost in sight.

As Fleetwood had the wind advantage in the second half, Eden decided to protect their narrow lead by keeping play tight, working round the fringes and slowing the ball at every opportunity. It wasn't a pretty strategy but it proved very effective as the Eden pack monopolised possession and denied Fleetwood the chance to use their lively backs.

Colin Wolstenholme led his fellow forwards to an inspired second half performance and, with a little more composure in the opposing 22, Eden could even have extended their advantage.

Eden are now two points clear of their closest rivals in fifth place with just three games to play. Next Saturday sees them in action at De La Salle, one of the teams desperate to avoid the drop, while the Boars are at home to Egremont A' in the Cumbria Shield. Last Saturday's second team match with Whitehaven had to be called off because of non-availabilities.