7 UP FOR CARLISLE AS ZEBRAS DROUGHT GOES ON

Workington Zebras tasted their 5th successive league defeat as they went down 49 - 5 at The Ellis against Carlisle, who maintain their 100% record with 7 wins & stay clear at the top of Cumbria 1.

Before kick-off, there was a minute's silence in memory of former Zebras player Tony Nicholson, who recently passed away from cancer at just 57.

It was pretty much even for the opening few minutes but then Carlisle moved up a gear & on 5 minutes when Tom Graham collected the loose ball from the scrum to touch down, with Jason Israel adding the conversion.

Workington recovered and began to make a few inroads into Carlisle territory, especially from Rob Scott, Rhys Burr & Scott Campbell.

However, a resolute Carlisle defence shut them down at every turn & then the cavalry stepped up with two tries in eight minutes to increase their lead as first Israel (23) shrugged off several challenges before ploughing over & then Guy Graham (31) collected a pass out of the scrum to cruise home, with Israel adding both conversions.

It was difficult for Workington to stem the flow of continuous advances from the visitors and their rearguard was spliced again four minutes from a time when Carlisle caught their hosts flat-footed & Robbie Jones raced clear in the corner to ensure a Bonus Point. Israel wasted no time in adding his 4th conversion.

The second half got even worse for Workington as they were hit with two tries in five minutes - Vince Lung (41) exploiting defensive gaps to join the try feast before Rhys Callaghan produced a sizzling run from halfway before polishing off in the corner. Israel maintaining his 100% record with the boot on both occasion.

At 42-nil up & the points wrapped up, Carlisle appeared to ease up and gradually, Workington took advantage with a sequence of smart open play.

Again, Scott, Burr & Campbell led the way, as well as contributions from John McCrickerd & David Todhunter - all of whom patiently chipped away at Carlisle's hitherto cast-iron defence.

Then on 65 minutes, their diligence hit the jackpot when Burr laced the ball on the halfway line to Scott, who once again rolled back the years with a delicious squirt of pace to conjure up a dazzling solo run before going over for his 6th try of the season, which went unconverted.

The potential indignity of being nilled on home soil had been obliterated & although Carlisle had the last word on 73 minutes with Israel's 2nd try & 7th conversion (22 points in total), Zebras mamaged to close out the match & keep Carlisle to under 50 points.

Despite the heavy scoreline, Workington can take comfort for their fine second half period of dominance & it's only a matter of time before they end their losing streak.

As for Carlisle, it wouldn't be a surprise if they go unbeaten on their way to the title, based on their performance, especially in the first half.

By John Hastings @ The ESG.