The main pitch was heavy following the week's rain with the ball greasy and a strengthening wind adding to the difficulties. In days gone by it would have been a stick it up a forward's jumper kind of game, but that's not the fashion these days. Both sides looking to move the ball whenever possible only for the conditions to get in the way leading to a scrappy encounter.
For once West started strongly with skipper Ryan Painter at fly-half and Matty Baggs impressing at scrum- half. Painter was eager to get his speedy wingers into action as soon a possible - sadly several grubber kicks coming to nought as full-back Matt Brass showed great positional sense to mop up.
When West went the direct route they also found Upper Eden’s defence up to the job - the result being that the home attackers were penalised at the breakdown on more than one occasion.
As so often happens the visitors scored from their fist foray into home territory. It came in the 12th minute when West were penalised some 25 meters out with winger Ollie Bennett taking the opportunity for three points.
Five minutes later that lead was increased to six with another penalty in the West 22 – one which saw hooker Aidan Jackson-Smith off to the bin.
Undaunted, West continued to play the game in the Upper Eden half. However, the pattern continued with over-ambitious passes going to ground and infringements at the breakdown allowing Upper Eden to clear their lines.
Ryan Painter did cross but the score was ruled out for a double movement (above).
As a result the half-time break saw the score line unchanged. West looked to reap the benefits of the wind in the second half by bringing on Jay Corbett at No.8 - Connor McClurg moving into the second row in place of Ollie Webster.
Corbett was able to get his side on the front foot with some bullocking runs from scrums and mauls, and with Jake Linighan making some impressive carries the pressure mounted on the visitors.
However, it took until the 55th minute for West to get their first score. For once a patient build up in the Upper Eden 22 saw Linighan time his pass to Corbett. With the defenders fearing another burst for the line from the No. 8, he made space for Ollie Connolly to go through the gap. Matt Siddle giving West a one-point advantage.
That could have been increased five minutes later with a penalty award in front of the posts. However, the home side’s adventurous intent continued as they went for the scrum – once again they were penalised as Corbett failed to release as he was tackled five metres short.
The pressure continued and Upper Eden were dealt a blow when replacement Mark Tyson was red-carded . He’d he chased down a clearing kick only to hit Siddle late and high as the full-back cleared.
That was the cue for even more home pressure, with West being helped when a penalty kick to the corner found an Upper Eden player trying to keep the ball in play with a back flick through his legs. Unfortunately for him, the full back hadn’t read the script but he just managed to get a touch on the loose ball as Lewis Scott raced in.
As a result West were awarded a five-metre scrum which led to their second try. The ball was eventually moved out to the left wing where Max Tennant was wrapped up as he looked to force his way inside. The support was there with Painter's long pass sending West Man of the Match Jackson-Smith over from close range.
Siddle’s conversion attempt was just wide, which led to some anxious minutes as Upper Eden knew that one converted try would give them the game.
West then had to reorganise in the final ten minutes with Painter and prop Jack Angus both off with injuries. Kyle Jamieson came on in the backs to make several strong runs with Louis Adamson slotting into the front row.
West did have chance for another score when an Upper Eden defender was first to another grubber kick only to fail to touch the ball down as he slid over the dead ball line with tye ball on his chest. Scrum to West, but once again the visitors were able to force a turnover,
The Kirkby Stephen side did have one last surge surge into the West half only for a knock-on to bring proceedings to an end as the gloom descended.
It was game both sides needed to win and West were happy to move three further points clear of the Cumbrians. There’s another big game in prospect next week with a trip to Morpeth who are only one point ahead in eighth place.
West: Matt Siddle, Lewis Scott, Sam Knight, Ollie Connolly, Max Tenant, Ryan Painter (capt), Matty Baggs, Jack Angus, Aidan-Jackson-Smith, Adam Hutchinson, Ollie Webster, Jake Linighan, Connor McLurg, Isaac Robinson, Chris Atkins.
Reps (all used): Kyle Jamieson, Louis Adamson, Jay Corbett.
Tries: Connolly, Jackson-Smith.
Con: Siddle.
Yellow: Jackson-Smith.
Upper Eden: Matt Brass, Oli Bennett, Josh Alderson, Will Birkbeck, Sam Edgar, Oli Luke, Oli Rose, Matt Sanderson, Tom Mooney, Chris Birkbeck, Robert Dent, Isaac Dent, Fin Rose, Josh Winder, Andy Major.
Reps (all used): James Birkbeck, Mark Tyson, Liam Fox.
Pens: Bennett (2).
Yellow: Edgar, Robert Dent.
Red: Tyson.
Referee: Will Lacey (Durham Society).