By Helen Thompson

Last updated at 12:04, Monday, 29 December 2008

Ellenborough Rangers pulled off an emotional victory at the weekend – winning the BARLA Iggesund Cumbria Cup in memory of their chairman who passed away on Christmas Day.

Popular chairman Wilson Smith died in the early hours of Christmas Day morning, after being rushed into hospital the previous day.

Smith, 69, was chairman at the Maryport-based club since 1997 and the players were delighted to win this game in his memory and for his family, some of whom were at Derwent Park to watch.

Ellenborough beat Kells 19-8 to retain the trophy in front of over 500 fans on Saturday and club president Kevan Gorge dedicated the win to Wilson immediately after.

Gorge said: “It was very emotional. I went into the dressing room before the match and I talked about Wilson and what he meant to the club and to them.

“They have lost a father figure and they were all up for the game, to give it everything for him. When I told the lads what had happened at training you could see the shock and horror on the players’ faces.

“We have lost someone else like this, about nine years ago now, when Billy Bryce died. They leave a massive hole.

“But that win was for Wils. It was his wife’s wish that some of the family came to the game and they went into the changing room afterward, which was very emotional for everyone but we were just pleased to get the win for him.”

Both sides held a minute’s silence at the start of the match in Smith’s memory before the action began.

Ellenborough went on to rack up a 8-0 lead at the break and survived a second half fightback from Kells to hang on to the trophy they won last year.

Ellenborough captain Eddie Robinson went up to lift the prestigious trophy and team-mate Barrie Murdock was the official man of the match for a workmanlike performance.

First published at 11:28, Monday, 29 December 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk