DREAMS OF VASE GLORY SHATTERED BY LAST SECOND ROBBERY

Lenny Kravitz famously sang "It Ain't Over Til It's Over" and never was that phrase more appropriate than at The Ellis as Workington were dumped out of the Cumbria Vase when Egremont snatched victory in the closing seconds of an absorbing fixture.

It was a cruel - indeed, heartbreaking manner for the Zebras to exit the competition, especially as they had fought back from 5 - 19 down to lead 27 - 26 with a penalty one minute from time.

Egremont originally dominated proceedings from kick off as they threw wave after wave of surges into Zebras territory to pin them into their own half and on 10 minutes the visitors ultimately managed to carve open the defence to score the opening try followed by a conversion.

Clearly stung by this, Workington quickly got their act together and snatched control from the restart to produce several dangerous runs into Egremont's half, especially from Tom Lawson, Jonny Howarth and Jack Todhunter. This extensive pressure was rewarded on the half hour with an unconverted try as Todhunter effortlessly found space before powering his way over the tryline.

However, that excellent work was undone 4 minutes later when Egremont won a line out and took advantage of pedestrian marking to cruise home and increase their lead with another converted try.

Barely 2 minutes of the second half had ticked by when the visitors went further ahead after collecting the ball on halfway and delivering a stunning solo try that left the Zebras floundering for air. However, they fell short with their conversion attempt.

Workington needed to answer back and quick - their wish came true on 46 minutes as a hopeful punt was chased by Bede O'Connor who outpaced his rival to scoop the ball and breeze in to score, with Robinson smoothly executing the conversion.

Clearly, the Zebras were determined to keep the momentum and with efficient scrummaging, coupled with consistent probing of Egremont's resolve, they were the team likely to score and on 65 minutes they drew level after the tireless Campbell finished off a neat passage of play to pull clear and touch down in the corner. John McCrickerd took over kicking duties from Robinson and he made no mistake with his first attempt.

By this time, Workington were well and truly riding the waves and 5 minutes later took the lead for the very first time when another sequence of swift attacks culminated with Todhunter thrusting clear to grab his 2nd try of the afternoon, but just as with his first half try the conversion was not made.

Suddenly on 76 minutes, the Zebras were pulled up by the referee for an unspecified infringement in the scrum, a decision that baffled players and supporters alike. On regaining advantage, Egremont then delivered a sucker punch as they sprinted clear to score under the posts and then add the conversion to snatch the lead again.

The seeds that had been sown for a grandstand finish were beginning to blossom and a minute from time, Workington took the chance for a penalty just inside their half. The deafening silence as McCrickerd steadied himself was eclipsed by the cacophony of cheers and applause as his attempt sailed over the posts to put the Zebras 1 point ahead.

It was truly now or never for Egremont as from the restart they launched one last wave of attack and with seconds ticking away, their coerced the Zebras into one commitment too many before delivering the knockout blow with a try in the corner to claim their passage into the next round, with the missed conversion proving a mere irrelevance

Having seen their cup hopes fall by the wayside in dramatic fashion, Workington can now focus on the task of getting their Cumbria League Two season back on track and ironically, it is away to Egremont for their next attempt of a first league win.

By John Hastings @ The ESG