DISTINGTON moved closer to lifting the Cumbria League title with a hard-fought 17-4 victory over Barrow Island at Rating Lane.

The West Cumbrians made it fifteen wins on the trot in driving rain against an Island side who made them fight all the way for the two points on offer.

Playing up the slope Island took the game to the visitors, applying early pressure, with Perry Singleton being held up over the line on three minutes.

Another attack broke down when Blain Marwood brought full-back Jake Carter into the attack but his pass to Aide Wright was adjudged forward. Distington were having to defend strongly as Andy Cairns sent Ryan Clegg over the line but he, like Singleton, was held up.

Having survived, the visitors began to play the kind of rugby they are noted for as strong running prop Brian Ritchie, one of three brothers in the team, drove hard for the posts before he was brought down.

From the play the ball Shaun Sutton fed Liam McNicholas but good defence held him out. Island were down to 12 men with Sam Jones in the sin-bin for interfering as Distington were awarded a penalty.

Minutes later another strong drive from Ritchie saw him go to within a foot of the line from where hooker Jamie Friel dummied his way over. Singleton then pulled off a try-saving tackle on Grant Dryden as Distington attacked the home line.

Island turned defence into attack with a fine piece of play involving Cairns, Irvine and Sutherland, taking play upfield. However, as Parkinson sent Clegg in at the corner, the centre was denied as a forward pass was ruled.

Six minutes from the break Gavin Martin drove hard for the line with a forceful run only to be held short. But from the play the ball Ritchie forced his way over for Scott George to convert.

Island worked hard to reduce the deficit. Thwaites and Singleton made good ground before a chip through from Irvine was well taken by Liam Friel. Island started the second half with a fine run from Singleton but his pass to Attard went into touch.

The pressure continued as Sutherland was stopped short before Hadwin was held up.

Persistence paid off on 47 minutes when Jamie Curtis and Cairns linked to send Clegg in for a try.

Distington soon responded when a high ball from George beat the defenders and this led to Matt Hewer touching down. George added the extra two points.

And it was George who made life even more difficult for the Island, sending over a drop-goal from half way.

Island now had it all to do as the visitors were down to 12 men with Steve Conway in the bin for a foul on Wright. And they were soon down to 11 men when, in an unprovoked attack, Dryden was sent off for a right hook to the face of Dec Rogers.

Island went close when Clegg was held up and Marwood was stopped a foot short of the line. However, the league leaders stood firm in defence to take the points.

Jake Deveraux crossed for a hat-trick as Walney kept up the pressure on the Island in their bid to finish second in the table.

Cents ran out 32-14 winners over Ellenborough at Central Drive after leading 18-14 at the break. Other tries came from Liam Finch, Stu Tippett and Adam Nicholson, with Matt Elliott adding four goals.

Marc Storey dropped a goal on 75 minutes to secure a 13-12 victory for Ulverston at Maryport to add to two conversions following tries from brother Matt and Joel Smith.

In the National Conference Joe Satterthwaite took the man of the match award as Askam defeated Stanningley 40-24 at Fallowfield Park.

Satterthwaite capped a fine game with a try, with others coming from Barry Pugh, 2, Mark Tyson, 2, Gary Bolton and Rob Cockayne with Adam Jackson adding six goals.

Millom were out of luck on their travels, losing 44-18 at Milford Marlins.