A LEVEL scoreline was a true reflection of a tightly contested opening fixture for Upper Eden at Underley Park, Kirkby Lonsdale, on Saturday.

Neither side gave any quarter and, in a scoreless first half, both seemed equally adept at absorbing each other's attacks.

Excellent tackling certainly kept the home side at bay but Upper Eden were also restricted to few opportunities.

Their only real chances fell to fly half Rick Heron who went close with two penalties and almost dribbled a ball over the line.

Upper Eden finally took the initiative early in the second half. A series of rucks and mauls took the visiting forwards close to the Kirkby Lonsdale line where left winger Phil Hughes scrambled overe.

Heron made the conversion and, as the game went on, Upper Eden's confidence began to grow. Kirkby failed to use their speedy wingers effectively and Upper Eden's forward-led approach was starting to tell.

However, that all changed in a flash when Kirkby winger Gavin Thompson received the ball in space, beat several attempted tackles and slipped the ball to his supporting fly half Dave Barton. He scored under the posts and the conversion brought the sides level again.

Kirkby went on to create more chances but Upper Eden held firm and there was no further scoring.

On Saturday, Upper Eden host newly- promoted St Benedict's at Pennine Park (3pm).

l Upper Eden Boars were at home to a Preston Grasshoppers team and ran out 40-25 winners, although the game was probably closer than the scoreline suggests.