Allerdale won the Steve Williams Memorial Trophy when they beat local rivals Copeland 16-14 at Lowca.

A late try from Ellenborough’s Kai Gilhespy, converted by his club-mate Owen Hoyles, snatched victory in a game that could have gone either way.

Straight from the kick-off Copeland took the lead when Distington’s Liam McNicholas scored the opening try.

Allerdale immediately levelled through a nice finish from Glasson’s Gary Taylor but McNicholas crossed again for Copeland and this time Egremont’s Matt Bewsher added the conversion.

Before the brief respite of half time, Allerdale levelled again with a try from Seaton’s Dom Smallwood which was converted by Hoyles.

In the second half, Copeland regained the lead when Lowca’s Emmerson Allen got over for an unconverted try.

Just when it seemed they would hold on and lift the trophy, Gilhespy went over to level and Hoyles’ conversion won the game for Allerdale.

Cumbria coach Gary Hewer was watching as he prepares to put his squad together for the Open Age Championship.

He said: “Total respect to all the coaches, players, officials and supporters who braved the terrible conditions.

“It certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the players, who produced a full-blooded encounter.”

The trophy was presented to the Allerdale squad by Toby and Luca, Steve Williams’ grandsons.

Mr Williams, who died last year, was a life-long supporter of Workington Town and held many titles at the club including president, chairman and director.

He was also a former president of Lowca.