KIRKBY Lonsdale Wanderers (pictured below) will collect their trophy as North West Intermediate League 5 North winners at Preston on May 14 after an outstanding season.

Led by captain Chris Potts, Kirkby won 20 games out of 24 and remained unbeaten at home, scoring 444 points and only conceding 28.

Excellent performances came from youngsters Pinch, Gailbraith, Law, Clarke and Giddens. Matching them were veterans Tallon - celebrating his 25th year at the club - and Crossley who finished top scorer with 16 tries. Other players who shone were newcomers Farley, Stevens and Elliot, while the versatile Taylor played second row, prop and fly-half! Fine contributions came from Turner and Barton, the latter providing drop-goals which broke many an opposition's heart, the hard-hitting Chapman and reliable Aynsley, Ratcliffe and Dale.

Kiwi Mackie provided a crucial link at scrum-half and will be sorely missed next season.

Wanderers look forward to the challenge of League 4 with confidence. Kirkby is buzzing with success, with the first team finishing strongly with a place in Westmorland Cup final and an improving third team looking forward to joining the intermediate league system. The mini and youth section also celebrate an outstanding season with the RFU "seal of approval" award the only club in Cumbria to achieve such an award.