Finches mark historic day with memorable win.
WORKINGTON FINCHES 32 ACKLAM AVENGERS 5
A sunny, but very chilly Ellis Sports Ground with roughly 250 spectators witnessed history in the making as the ladies of Workington Finches played their very first match on home soil and marked the occasion with a convincing 32 - 5 triumph over Acklam Avengers.
Since their formation 2 years ago, the Finches have made steady progress in their quest for a place in the North West Women's League and this victory will not only enhance their credentials, but also force other clubs to sit up and take notice.
Right from kick off, the hosts proceeded to swamp their North East opponents half and were unlucky not to have scored at least three times in the opening 10 minutes as Charlotte Bowman, Eloise Stott and Charlotte Hodgson all came agonisingly close to the tryline, but were thwarted by Acklam's doughty rearguard action.
However, the Finches were not to be denied and their dominance reaped just reward after 14 minutes when a driving scrum resulted in new girl Kathryn Chesney crashing over for an unconverted try.
This woke up Acklam, who from the restart mounted their first serious surge into Finches territory with a series of threatening runs and solid scrimmaging. This perseverance paid off with an unconverted try of their own on 29 minutes when a hopeful kick over the top left Workington flatfooted and Tara Breslin marked her debut by darting over the whitewash.
But the Finches didn't lie down and with captain Sarah Harrington, Lauren Wilkinson and Charlottes Bowman & Hodgson all working hard, it was only a matter of time before they regained the lead - and 6 minutes from time did just that when Stott, Leonie Haile and Zoe Livingstone all combined to set up Kirby Neesham who thundered into the corner for another unconverted try.
The second half began with the hosts again dominating Acklam's 22 and Stott increased the lead on 49 minutes when she sprinted clear to touch down in the corner. Three minutes later it got even better when WIlkinson offloaded the ball to Lisa Jones who proceeded to break away and go over for a well executed try.
By this time, Workington were bossing the game, dictating play at every turn, especially from Charlotte Hodgson, and on the hour, they caught Acklam napping when Bowman stormed in to register Workington's 5th try of the afternoon.
Acklam - to their immense credit - never gave up and with Breslin calling the shots in what was an excellent debut for her, threatened to get back in the game. But they were held back by a trenchant Finches backline.
It was Workington who delivered the final word a minute from time when Stott exploited tired marking to tumble over for her 2nd try of the match. This time, Neesham was successful with her conversion, which was greeted with more applause and cheering than any of the 6 tries scored - the relief on her face was clearly evident. The final whistle saw jubilation from the Finches and it was a fitting send off for Fiona McKay, who recently announced her retirement due to injury.
Overall, it was an excellent all round performance from the team and credit must go to coach Colin McKay for wielding together a strong, efficient side with the perfect combination of steel and flair. If they keep all this - and above all, the positive spirit - going, then the future for Workington Finches looks very bright indeed.
By John Hastings @ The ESG