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Ellenborough wrapped-up the Cumberland Amateur RL First Division title when they beat main rivals Kells 21-6.
An estimated crowd of over 1,000 at Solway Park saw Ellenborough complete their catch-up programme, notching their ninth win in as many matches in four weeks, to snatch the crown from long-time leaders Kells.
Chairman Wilson Smith said: “We drew our first game of the season, lost the second and then put together a winning run which has earned us the League.
“We are also still left in all the other local competitions and have already won the Cumbria Cup earlier in the season.
“It’s been a great effort by everybody and we just have to stay focused because we will be playing to the end of May.”
For Kells, they must have felt a bit like Crisp in that famous Grand National finish, leading for a long way only to be overhauled on the line by Red Rum.
The Whitehaven side only lost twice in the League, both times to Ellenborough, so finished a point behind their Allerdale rivals.
Ellenborough’s defence was magnificent throughout and they looked sharper and more imaginative in attack.
They led 14-0 at half-time and after Stephen Stoddart had added to the lead with a drop goal the crucial third try put them 19-0 clear. Substitute prop forward Paul West broke away from halfway and raced through to score impressively.
Kells scored a try through hooker Kevin Agnew, converted by Tony Burns, to offer themselves some hope, but Stoddart added another penalty for Elbra to wrap-up the contest.
Jamie Watson and Stoddart had scored tries in the first half with Stoddart kicking three goals. Paul McGee picked-up the man of the match award.
Elbra will now turn their attentions to Tuesday’s top four play-off semi-final at home to Seaton (6-30pm) – the team they meet on Saturday in the semi-final of the County Cup.
They also play Seaton in the Amateur Cup final on May 17 (venue to be announced) and still have the Champion of Champions final against Bank Quay Bulls of Warrington to look forward to.
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