A first derby day victory in 25 years for a rugby team in the Lake District will go a long way in ensuring the club's future.

The Ambleside Centurions took on Windermere RUFC on Saturday, November 30 at Galava Park, running out 19-14 victors.

Andrew Brown, the director of rugby for the Centurions, explained that it had been a tough experience for the players in the year since the club reformed.

He said: "We were a new team coming up against established sides, when we were also figuring out the ropes, so there have been a few lopsided results against us.

"I think it got to the point that, if we didn't win at least one of the two games this Christmas, a lot of our players would have packed it in, so getting that victory - and against our closest rivals too - really meant a lot."

Ambleside had the better of the first half, going into the break 12-0 up thanks to tries from Jack Akrigg and Sam Kennelly, and a conversion from Red Marshall.

Sustained pressure from Windermere in the second half, mixed with a couple of temporary suspensions, allowed the visitors to take a 12-14 lead, however.

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"At the start of the season, this is where we would have crumbled, but with a strong bench and Akrigg crashing over for his second try, we were able to get the score to 19-14," said Brown.

"The game was physical and intense as expected but played in a fantastic spirit in front of a bumper crowd.

"After the game in the club house, the rivalries and laughter lasted well into the night, and everyone agreed the real winner on the day was grassroots rugby.

"Anyone who thinks that rugby is dying out at grassroots level in the South Lakes should have come along to the local derby game."