FINCHES DOUSE DRAGONS TO MARCH ON IN PLATE

Following last week's defeat in the Cumbria Cup, Workington Zebra Finches got back that winning taste as they continued their defence of the RFU Community Plate with a comprehensive 53 - 15 victory at Durham City Dragons.

The Finches administered six of the best when it came to tries, with the lightning fast Megan Donald leaving the opposition clutching thin air as she claimed a brace to make it 11 tries for the season, while Juliet Porter also bagged a pair.

Beth Adams and Chloe Pape scored their first tries of the season and also touching down were Caitlin Jenkinson and Nicola Stewart, who also added 5 conversions and a penalty to make it a personal total of 18 points for the afternoon.

Durham City may play a league below Workington, but they did not give up at any stage during the match, despite the result and had their moments of domination in Finches territory that yielded 3 unconverted tries from Steph Addison, Chelsea-Jade Venning and Charlotte Lamb, while Rachael Kirkley proved to be a menace in the rucks with her quick handling and carrying.

For Workington, it was another all round performance to match their 20 - 0 victory against Darlington last month, especially from Nicole Stewart and Steph Ratcliffe, who once again produced a telepathic combination not only between themselves but also with the equally peerless centre combo of Caitlin Jenkinson and Juliet Porter - all four exerted immense pressure on the overworked Durham defence.

Not for the first time, Rose Cleeton rolled away her evergreen status to provide a well organised performance at loose head prop, with drives and tackles delivered hard, fast and true. Her front row cohorts Fiona McKay and Rebecca Crawford also provided invaluable support.

Workington will face Notth Ribblesdale at The Ellis in the Quarter Final on Sunday 3rd March, but before that have two important league fixtures - first at Stockton Rockets this Sunday and then at home to Upper Eden Eagles on the 18th.

By John Hastings