WEST CUMBRIA are the GILLETTE NATIONAL YOUTH LEAGUE champions for 2009/10.
The lads from the far north west clinched the title with a thrilling 26-25 victory over STANNINGLEY at the Halton Stadium, Widnes.
Phil Caplan reports
In a rip-roaring finish to the 2010 Gillette National Youth League season, league leaders WEST CUMBRIA slotted over a last gasp penalty to beat second placed LEEDS STANNINGLEY in a terrific showcase Grand Final at the Halton Stadium.
There had only been four points between the sides in their Qualifying Play Off clash and this humdinger was even more exciting in front of an enthralled crowd of over 300.
Both sides started the game strongly, exhibiting great attacking skills and it was Stanningley who got the first try with Adam Benn going over, man of the match Niall Murphy converting.
Wests hit back and within minutes levelled with a try from Adam Ramsden, James McDonald adding the extras.
In exhibition mode, the match flowed from end to end, the quality of play excellent as the protagonists released confident passes and showed classy footwork.
In form Cumbrian Alistair Leak’s quick break out of dummy half put his side ahead with McDonald goaling but Stanningley reacted with pace and strength to post two converted tries in as many minutes, from Mackenzie Roberts and Murphy who was again accurate with the boot on both occasions.
Seconds before the break Cumbria’s Blake Mahovic made a clean break from 30 metres out and scored a stunning solo try between the posts for McDonald to ensure it was all square at the break.
Both teams picked up where they left off in the second half as the intensity and quality increased. Stanningley’s Chris Hedley scored a clever try for the Yorkshire side before Ramsden did likewise for his second touchdown, minutes later.
There was an unfortunate stoppage in play when Leeds’ Sam Savage took a serious knock in a tackle and was taken off the field of play by the medics. While the worry was plain to see on his team mates’ faces, they continued to apply themselves in a fiery battle and Savage was well enough to receive his medal at the end of the game.
It looked like Stanningley had sealed the game with 15 minutes to go when Murphy scored a drop goal to bring the make it 25-24 although both sides continued to make plenty of ground in their sets.
It was Cumbrian’s whose luck held when they were awarded a penalty three minutes from time by referee Scott Mikalauskas, which Davison potted to secure them a breathless one point victory.
The two teams ended the regular season with just two competition points between them and served up a terrific, passionate clash that was a wonderful advert for the competition and youth rugby league.
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