UPPER Eden returned to the top of the North Lancs/Cuumbria League with an outstanding performance against previous league leaders Wigton on Saturday.

The game was try-less yet Eden deservedly emerged victorious after imposing their super- iority on Wigton in most areas of the game. Now, with just six matches remaining, and four of those at home, there is a real buzz about their rugby.

Saturday's match had plenty of open play but solid defences proved hard to breach at both ends of the pitch.

Eden took the lead after a series of forward drives, rucks and recycling produced a penalty kicked by Rick Heron. Wigton replied with a penalty of their own and then gained territorial advantage for a brief spell. However, Eden won two scrums against the head and gradually broke down Wigton's momentum.

Eden were unlucky not to score when the ball was moved well for both Andy Kerr and Phil Hughes to go close. Then Rick Heron added another penalty after an Eden scrum was wheeled. It was Wigton's turn to hold their line under pressure and Eden twice got within inches of the try-line. Then, Heron was on target again with another penalty to give his side a 9-3 half-time lead.

After an initial surge by Wigton from the restart, Eden gained the upper hand with a good spell of rucking and mauling before spinning the ball wide. Heron slotted over another penalty and Jimmy Thompson came on at scrum half for Simon Alderson.

Wigton brought three forwards on in a bid to win the battle up front and did take control of play for a while. But that spell was broken when Sizwe Zondo made a try-saving tackle on Wigton's flying winger and Heron sealed the result with a 40-metre penalty right on the final whistle.

Zondo and Ricardo Abrahams were playing their last match before returning to South Africa, having played a vital role for the backs since December.

Upper Eden Boars beat Barnard Castle A' 19-15 at Barnard Castle with two first half tries by fly-half Ben Alderson, converted by Dan Murray, and a deciding try before the end.

This weekend, the first XV play third-placed Tyldesley at Pennine Park while the Boars travel to Crichton 2nds.