Ashton claim 2026 Border Eights trophy
Ashton lifted the 2026 Border Eights title for the first time after an impressive 7-5 win over hosts Border City in this year’s final at Cotehill Park Sports Ground on Saturday.
Nine teams took part in the sixth edition of the annual eight-a-side competition held in Cumbria by Border City Lacrosse Club, each playing six qualifying matches to decide the seeding for the knockout rounds.
Leeds topped the qualifying group with nine points, followed closely by Ashton, Aberdeen, and Borders who all finished with eight points; last year’s winners Edinburgh finished the qualifying stage in seventh place with six points.
Such was the competitiveness of this year’s competition, places two to four and five to seven had to be decided on goal difference.
The top four teams qualified for the semi-finals with Leeds losing in agonising fashion to Brooklands who pipped them to the final after a 2-1 sudden-death over-time win.
In the other semi-final, Ashton claimed their spot in the final after another tight match versus Aberdeen that finished 4-3.
The placement games saw Brooklands beat Tallam Rangers 5-1 to finish fifth and Edinburgh defeat Newcastle Knights 2-0 for 7th spot; in the 3rd/4th play-off, Aberdeen narrowly beat Leeds 3-2 to secure the bronze medal.
In the showpiece final, Ashton started quickly earning an early three goal lead before Border City clawed themselves back into the game.
But, despite their best efforts, Ashton claimed a 7-5 victory to lift their first title and add a new name to the trophy.
Border City’s Dan Clements said:
“It was a fantastic day of lacrosse with a total of 33 games and the closest year yet. Everyone had a great time and our thanks go to the teams who came along, the refs who gave up their time, and all the volunteers who continue to make Border Eights the best tournament atmosphere you can get.”
The Border Eights competition will return next year, taking place on Saturday 11 September 2027.
To register your interest in competing, send an email over to cumbrialax@gmail.
2026 Border Eights Final Standings
Ashton
Border City
Aberdeen
Leeds
Brooklands
Tallam Rangers
Edinburgh City
Newcastle Knights
Newcastle University