PENRITH'S play-off victory over Widnes should confirm Kirkby Lonsdale's place in North Lancs/Cumbria, although it still has to be officially confirmed.

Upper Eden won their Cumbria League play-off to go into Kirkby's league along with Windermere, who go up after champions Netherhall received RFU permission to stay where they are.

Final score was Kirkby Lonsdale 8 Windermere 14.

THIS Westmorland and Furness Knockout Cup match between old firends and rivals took place in cooler conditinos than for many weeks and with a stiff breeze blowing up the Park.

Despite changes in key positions, Kirkby looked to have a useful side out and initially kept the pressure on Windermere, with play rarely moving out of the visitors' half.

The pressure told and Windermere conceded a penalty. Barton's kick was just short but the defence was caught in possession and this set up another scoring chance.

It was no surprise when Windermere gave away another penalty, this time under the posts and Barton had no trouble.

Despite reasonable possession, Kirkby did not seem to be able to get their backs moving and Windermere seemed to be having same problem. Eventually Windermere got into the Kirkby half and a well-won ball saw Procter put over a drop-goal to level the scores.

Kirkby came back with some good moves, with Squires coming ip from full back. Atkinson, making a welcome return, and G. Thompson were also prominent but the Windermere tackling was equal to the task.

Panic then set in near the Windermere line and a defender tackled Thompson without the ball.

Kirkby put the penalty into touch and Kirkby mauled the ball over for a try, with the conversion from wide out just missing.

Windermere replied with good driving play to reach the Kirkby 22 and quickly-taken tap-penalties led to Wood scoring an unconverted try and half time arrived the sides again on level terms.

With the wind behind them in the second half, Kirkby saw two good breaks break down and missed a medium-range penalty.

Windermere broke out of defence and Procter kicked them ahead from a penalty, and then added another when Kirkby were adjudged not have have retired 10 metres to open a 14-8 lead in their favour.

Kirkby sought a converted try to snatch victory and Squires escaped down the left wing only for Windermere to close down the move before a kick to the corner ended the match.

Kirkby Veterans emerged 38-27 winners over Cumbrian Rams in an entertaining fixture on Easter Saturday.

n Upper Eden host Windermere the W & F Trophy final on May 10 (1.30pm kick-off)

May 2, 2003 08:30