Aspatria Eagles v Workington Steelers

The Steelers kicked off the season in the Cumbria league with a trip to Aspatria Eagles, which proved to be a tight well contested game. The Eagles applied early pressure to the Steelers line; however some strong defensive work repulsed the early onslaught. With the wind in their favor much of the first half continued with the Eagles having the majority of possession, with the Steelers putting in some committed defensive work resulting in only a penalty conceded by half time. In the second half the Steelers had more of the ball and their young back line came more into the game, threatening to cross the home line when spreading the ball wide. On the hour mark stand off Johny Howarth took advantage of the disorganized home defense, following some good play by the backs and when the ball was quickly recycled he scooted under the posts to score a try which he also converted to put the steelers 7-3 ahead. However the Eagles responded well and their well drilled pack applied strong pressure before the loose forward crashed over from short range. The conversion was added and the Eagles led 10-7 with ten minutes remaining. The Steelers came back again though and following some strong runs by forwards Jamie Dunn and Tom Doran the Eagles were penalized at a ruck, the resulting penalty was converted by Howarth and the game finished 10-10 On reflection a fair result for two sides who contested a hard fought contest in the right spirit