ALTHOUGH Upper Eden's first VX were without a fixture on Saturday, the third team filled the entertainment gap with a hugely enjoyable 48-19 victory at Pennine Park over Penrith 3rds.

Penrith 3rds are the old Penrith Vagabonds side that Upper Eden played their first ever game against in March, 1975, when their club was formed, and the Eden side that played on Saturday fittingly contained an interesting mixture of experience and youth.

The game began at a furious pace and Eden were soon on the scoreboard with tries by Simon Turner and Andy Harker, both of which Harker converted. Then a driving maul provided Penrith with the springboard for a try of their own before the lively Craig Hall made a break and fed speedy wingman Paul Richardson. Richardson was unstoppable, scorching over the line for a try which Harker converted.

The play was thrilling end to end stuff with pressure being applied at either end. However, it was Eden that offered the sharper edge and Simon Turner finished a length of the field move by the backs for his second try which was again converted by Andy Harker.

Penrith refused to lie down and grabbed a second try following a quick release from a ruck only for Harker to slot over a penalty, taking the turnaround score to 29-12.

Eden were soon on the attack after the break and Gary Remmer scored after more good work by Craig Hall. First team man Rick Heron came on as a substitute and made the conversion before running in a try following good passing among the backs. Craig Hall then made a jinking run that ended in a spectacular score to make certain the result.

Penrith were still capable of scorin though and thet bagged their third try (converted) with five minutes remaining.

l Upper Eden Boars lost 7-0 in a tightly contested match at Clitheroe.

l Upper Eden are back in North Lanes/Cumbria League action at Pennine Park on Saturday against Egremont. The Boars travel to Millom.