Steelers prove a handful

Bolstered by 3 1st xv players the Steelers proved a tough nut to crack for their high flying neighbours. Playing against the wind the Steelers defended doggedly in the first half, with Connor White and Stephen Dawes in the centres snuffing out numerous attacks from the visitors. Unfortunately for the Steelers they were unable to put some points on the board with conditions in their favour and with the score at 0-0 at half time. They had it all to do playing into the strong wind in the second half. However the home side continued to frustrate the visitors with committed defending. The front row of Mark Gullen, Chris Stringer and Tom Doran causing problems in the scrums and U18 players Alex Robertson and Jordan Stainton deserving a lot of credit ably supported by MOM Chris Boyd. The Steelers managed to hold out for some time before Whitehaven took advantage of the tiring Steelers when they crossed for their first of four tries. At one stage it looked likely that Whitehaven would be unable to secure a bonus point, however they continued to apply strong pressure and in the end scored the required tries albeit one of these controversial. Next week the Steelers travel to Netherhall and will surely take heart from this creditable performance.