AFTER a stalemate 7-7 draw in their first fixture of the season at Kirkby Lonsdale last week, Upper Edem were keen to notch up a victory against division new boys St Benedict's and they did so in style.

Scoring all their points in an impressive first half, Upper Eden were in irrepressible form. After withstanding an early St Benedict's drive, Rick Heron opened the scoring with a penalty and that provided the platform for some good phases of rugby. Constant pressure forced St Benedict's into errors and Heron added two more penalties, one in front of the posts and second from further out - despite wind and rain.

The first try of the match came mid-way through the first half when man-of -the match Phil Sinclair, revelling in playing at No.8, was fed the ball at the back of scrum by Colin Wolstenholme. He made a great run to cross the line and Heron kicked the conversion.

St Benedict's then had a chance of a penalty but, having nominated the attempt, they then kicked for touch and the referee gave a scrum for them not fulfilling their intention. Upper Eden then went close with a classic passing move before Heron scored his fourth penalty of the match.

A second try came following a series of drives. St Benedict's were sucked in before Upper Eden spread the ball wide for Phil Hughes to score in a corner. Heron converted again to make it six successful kicks out of six!

Phil Sinclair had two more try-scoring chances as a result of strong runs and Frank Tynsley grew in stature at full back as the game progressed into a second half kicking match. St Benedict's tried to use the wind and Upper Eden countered. Their only failure was to win lineout ball.

The match was sponsored by Tony's Sport, Appleby, and next week sees Upper Eden return to Kirkby Lonsdale for the first round of the intermediate cup.