CUMBRIA Rugby Union officials and players breathed a sigh of collective relief after the team clinched a place in the County Championship for next season.

The county side won their must-win play-off 27-18 against Notts, Lincs and Derby at Aspatria on Saturday to secure a place in next year's competition.

Aspatria's South African centre Lou Kruger scored a hat-trick of tries on his home ground.