Distington recorded a famous Ladbrokes Challenge Cup victory at the weekend when they disposed of Normanton Knights 31-18.

The Cumbria Men's League champions travelled to Normanton to take on the National Conference League division one side.

And, despite being classed as underdogs, Distington went out determined to do well in their first ever outing in the competition.

After a fast start, which seemed to take the home side by surprise, Distington half-backs Scott George and Clayton Sutton linked up nicely to put Nicky Cook through a gap.

Cook drew the full-back and then found Sutton once again and he touched down after just four minutes, with George converting. He then added a penalty and Distington were 8-0 ahead.

Normanton closed the gap with their first try as they began to pile on the pressure and then added a second, which they duly converted to take the lead for the first time at 10-8.

The game-changer came a minute before half time. Normanton were attacking once more and shifted the ball out wide trying to take advantage of a three-man overlap.

But quick thinking from Phil Lister saw him make a superb interception and race 70 yards downfield to touch down and put Distington back in the lead.

George's conversion meant that the visitors had the half time lead at 14-10.

Rain mixed with hail greeted both teams at the start of the second half but it did not slow the pace of the game.

Cook helped Lister to his second try of the game as he drew the defence in and slipped the pass to the supporting Lister who won the foot race to the try line.

The Knights were not about to back down and they came at their visitors once again with some physical and aggressive running from their forwards leading to a try out wide and they were within four points of the Distington total.

The game swung back and forward as on 65 minutes, Distington hooker Jamie Friel was on the receiving end of a great ball from Cook to break the line and score a 50-yard try under the sticks. George slotted over the extras and took the scoreline to 24 - 18.

Then Normanton, as expected by this point, retaliated to cross the whitewash just two minutes later but the conversion was missed.

With seven minutes to go, Distington seemed to be in control of the game with fierce attacking play in the Normanton half.

The Knights gave away a penalty to put themselves under more pressure and George managed to slot over an unexpected drop goal.

Distington's captain Aiden Worthington sealed the win on 76 minutes when he threw a dummy pass and went through a gap in the Normanton defence, George converted for a final score of 31-18.

A delighted Distington chairman, Mark Askew, said: "The preparations and hard work put in by the lads paid off. 

"The enthusiasm seemed to be overwhelming for a very good and physical Normanton team, who gave us a warm welcome and looked after us. 

"It was a great day for all involved and there is a buzz about the village which is fantastic. Now for the next round."