Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 08 May 2008

ELLENBOROUGH are the John Smith Cumberland Amateur Rugby League division one champions.

In last Friday’s crunch deciding game the Maryport side over-hauled long-time leaders Kells by defeating them 21-6. See page 47 for report and photographs.

And the two sides will meet again in the top four play-offs final after winning their semi-finals on Tuesday.

Ellenborough beat Seaton 19-6 and runners-up Kells overcame Hensingham by the same scoreline.

Seaton, last season’s top team, held Ellenborough to 6-6 at the break, a Paul McGee try putting the hosts in front before Paul Bell’s try, converted by Duncan Moyles, handed Seaton the lead.

A Stephen Stoddart penalty levelled matters, and he then touched down twice within three minutes from the hour-mark, converting both. Stoddart wrapped up the win with a 67th-minute drop-goal.

Kells led 12-6 at the break against their Whitehaven rivals, courtesy of Barry Boyd and Ashley McDonald tries, Ryan Robb notching both conversions.

A David Philips try, improved by Kurt Maudling, on 45 minutes, handed Hensingham hope.

But David Dickinson’s four-pointer with just five minutes left, gave Kells a two-score lead, and in the last minute, Stephen McGrady’s try, Tony Burns converting, put the issue beyond doubt.

Division two champions Cockermouth face Lowca in the division’s top four play-offs final at the Cumbria Sports Academy this evening.

And Seaton and Ellenborough meet again in an SJR Cumberland Cup semi-final tomorrow.