BARROW Island have been crowned Barrow and District League champions without stepping foot on the field.
The Rating Lane outfit took the title after Askam – the only side who could have denied them top spot – were beaten 40-30 by Walney Central in midweek.
With only one games remaining, the Villagers are now four points behind Island.
The champions had put themselves almost over the line with a convincing 46-14 win over Dalton last weekend.
The heavy defeat did not reflect the effort the young Dalton side put in, often making Island defend like demons to keep them out.
In the end, it was the more experienced table-topping side who triumphed. Jake Carter led the way with two tries and seven goals, with Matt Jefferson, Aiden Wright, Elliott Campbell, Shane Sanderson, Luke Worrall-Thompson and Declan Rodgers the other try-scorers.
Tyler Batty crossed the whitewash twice for Dalton. Joe Crarey scored the other and kicked a conversion.
Fast-forward to Wednesday and the title was secure as a vastly-experienced Walney side took the spoils against Askam.
The Villagers were 20-12 down at the break, and it was a great second half where 38 points were scored.
Jacob Helyer was the star of the Walney outfit, scoring four tries. Jordan Gavin, Adam Nicholson and James Finch also crossed, while George Nichols kicked six goals.
For Askam, Luke Holloway led the way with two tries. Cameron Cooper, Sam Broadley and Brad Jackson were the other try-scorers. Jackson also landed five goals.
Hindpool booked their place against Askam in the CJS KO Cup final with a 26-24 win over Ulverston at Kelland Park.
It was quick revenge for a 40-22 defeat in the league just days earlier.
It was a thrilling game at Kelland Park, the only sad part seeing Josh Procter of Ulverston suffer a badly broken leg. All in the league wish him a speedy recovery.
It was a tense game throughout, with the lead changing hands several times.
Jamie McIllroy led the way for Hindpool, going over for two tries, with Josh Villis, Peter Rimmer and Nathan Sneesby the other scorers. Grant Burns kicked three goals.
Liam Whitfield, Eric Hill, Matt Storey and Jordan Moyes crossed the whitewash for Ulverston. Moyes also landed four goals.
Walney were unable to raise a side for the other semi-final, giving Askam a walkover.
The final will be played at Craven Park on September 15.
FURNESS TILE AND FLOORING BARROW AND DISTRICT LEAGUE STANDINGS
P
W
L
D
F
A
Pts
Barrow Island
11
10
1
0
338
169
20
Askam
11
8
3
0
301
210
16
Walney
11
6
5
0
337
290
12
Roose Pioneers
11
5
6
0
291
248
10
Dalton
11
5
6
0
226
307
10
Ulverston
12
3
9
0
222
346
6
Hindpool
11
2
9
0
168
300
4
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