Upper Eden comfortably retained the John Marsden Memorial Trophy in their friendly encounter with Carnforth on Saturday, winning 49-0. Meanwhile, the Upper Eden Boars were beating Carnforth A 24-7 and, on Sunday, Upper Eden veterans beat the Ambulance Service 34-0.

Colin Wolstenholme opened the try-scoring against Carnforth 1sts and further first-half tries were added by Karl Haygarth, Bud Brown (2) and Phil Hughes (2) - with two conversions by Rick Heron - in a game monopolised by Upper Eden's superior handling and running.

In the second half, the home side took the opportunity to change their line-up and, although Carnforth had more of the game, substitute centre Rafe Coleman and Jimmy Thompson added further tries, Thompson converting his own try.

Like the first team, the Boars had to contend with a strong end on wind which played a big part in the run of play. With the wind behind in the first half, the Boars scored four tries via full back David Capstick (2) - a constant threat with the ball in hand, Thabile Sangweri and scrum-half Gavin Sissons - who chased down a through kick. Conversions were added by Mike Hughes and Steve Wales.

In the second half, the Boars defended well into the wind but conceeded one converted try. Sponsor for both Saturday matches was Lakeland Commercials and afterwards there was a farewell party, with speeches, for four South Africans who flew back to Durban yesterday (Tuesday) after a a spell playing in Eden. Thabile Sangweri, Even Wildey, Calman Dunn and Jeremy September had been living locally and helping with rugby playing and coaching at Appleby Grammar School.

On Sunday, the Ambulance Service succumbed to six Upper Eden Veterans' tries scored by Colin Wolstenholme (2), John Tunstall, Grant Dickinson and Dave Murray (2) plus two conversions by Robert Barker. The match was sponsored by the Tufton Arms at Appleby and there was a touchline collection during the match for the the local health centre.