West Cumbria U18s played their first ever league game in the North East and Cumbria League when they hosted Billingham RUFC at The Ellis Sports Ground, Workington. There were players from Aspatria, Cockermouth, St Benedict’s, Wigton and Workington making up the home side.
The game itself was an entertaining game to watch. Both sides were wanting to use all 15 players, playing a mix of moving the ball around the field and some shorter forward play. After both sides threatened early doors with ball in hand, it was the home side that got on the score board first. Following pressure to get the ball back by West Cumbria managed some strong go forward and a penalty infringement from Billingham led to a kick at goal. This was slotted by Matty Irving.
Billingham looked to hit back early and a good claim from Ethan Dann off the restart settled the home side down again. It was Ethan’s first ever game of rugby, the lads helped him out and he showed promise getting stuck in with some tackles and some elusive go forward.
It wasn’t long before West Cumbria had another opportunity following an attempt to get the ball back from left winger Stuart Reid leading to a penalty. Following some nice catch pass play from the backs a few plays later, this set Alfie Sapsed flying down the right wing. Some last ditch tackling from Billingham denying Alfie the first try. Not long after this however, some good go froward from our pack led from captain Harvey Smith, Keane Martin, Riley Thwaites and Sam Blair allowed Matty Irving to reach out and score out wide.
Billingham did get more into the game, as the game went on and managed to score a try just before half time.
Players Jak Lee and Fletcher Creasey put some nice creative plays together and whilst all on the field together along with centre James Ditchburn, the backs were starting to tick.
Billingham’s scrums in the 2nd half were fairly dominant and it took some last line of defence tackles from Full Back Steven Caulfield and Robbie Carruthers to deny Billingham of a few scores. Fenn Wilson, Fred Smeaton, James Roberts and James Rooney along with the other pack members worked hard all day despite the pressure from Billingham in the scrums.
Rugby Union is a team game and the fact Billingham have learned over time how to play as a team, came to its own in the final 20 mins, when the West Cumbrian wall was breached and this was followed by a couple more trys late on to the visitors.
West Cumbria Colts can be pleased with their first ever game. There was a lot of strong individual performances from the home side. Kean Martin really epitomising the effort of the side gaining the home sides man of the match. The players recognised that whilst their Go Forward was good, Supporting the Ball is a major work on, followed by a focus around set pieces. This will be worked on at training, 6.45pm meet at Workington RFC for a 7pm start.
It’s a great start and plenty more to come from this young side.