CUMBRIA/North Lancs League newboys Egremont are still searching for their first victory of the season after their visit to Pennine Park on Saturday, when a powerful performance by the Upper Eden forwards proved too much for them.

Eden attackeed right from the start and a strong run by flanker Paul Alderson almost set up a try for his brother Simon on the right wing in the opening minute. He was tackled just short of the line, but there was no stopping left winger Phil Hughes after some good work by Jimmy Thompson and Duncan Rose. Rick Heron added the conversion.

Egremont replied with a penalty in front of the posts but then the Eden forwards really got on top and two tries followed in as many minutes. A combined move took play to the Egremont goal line and from the 5-metre scrum, Jimmy Thompson flicked the ball up for Colin Wolstenholme to cross under the posts. Rick Heron converted but then, from the restart, Egremont kicked the ball into touch and, from the resulting midfield scrum, Duncan Rose broke clear and linked with hooker Ian Gowing for Simon Alderson to finish. Heron added the conversion and then slotted over a penalty goal to fire Eden into a 24-3 lead.

The early pace of the match had been so fast that it finally took its toll when Eden failed to cover properly and Egremont scored in the right hand corner before half time interval.

The second half was sscrappy by comparison with the first, with lots of errors surrendering possession and chances going to waste. The Eden forwards still dominated, however, and South African prop Godlief Jali was later named Eden's man-of-the-match for his impressive contribution. In fact, at one stage Eden won three scrums in succession against the head.

Eden full back Andy Harker came more into the game and was unlucky to overcook' one attempted chip and run. But Phil Hughes then bagged his second try of the game when Colin Wolstenholme broke from a threatening position and fed the ball inside for Hughes to finish. Eden almost scored again before the game started to lose its shape and the referee was forced to resoort to the yellow card. Egremont got a late consolation try, but the result was never in doubt.

The game was sponsored by WA Development.