FINCHES DISARM ROCKETS IN CLOSE ENCOUNTER

FINCHES DISARM ROCKETS IN CLOSE ENCOUNTER

It is now three wins out of four in the RFU North 2 League for Workington Zebra Finches as they held off a feisty second half onslaught from Stockton Rockets to win 19 - 14 at The Ellis.

Direct from kick-off. the Finches camped deep in Stockton territory with a combination of smart attacks and strong scrummaging and indeed, it was from a scrum that led to captain Charlotte Cammack to treat herself to a belated birthday present by ploughing over to open the scoring with an unconverted try.

Stockton instantly regrouped and slowly eased themselves into the game with a few attacks of their own and their dedication reaped dividends on 14 minutes when they cut the Workington defence to pieces with a try between the posts, which was then converted.

The Finches snatched back advantage from the restart as they delivered an impressive display of open rugby, with Stephanie Ratcliffe providing clinical offloads and the intimidating runs of Megan Donald and Millie Woodburn on the wings and on 21 minutes they regained the lead after Stockton were stretched by Workington's passing and it was Juliet Porter who finished off with a try that Nicole Stewart easily converted.

For a while, the match stalled into midfield domination as both sides cancelled out each other with doughty defending but five minutes from time Workington again swamped Stockton's half and with several scrums close to the halfway line, should have scored, but were pegged back by Stockton's focus and resilience.

However, with seconds ticking away to half time, Workington finally increased their lead when Ratcliffe offloaded to Stewart, who then left her challengers floundering as she sprinted clear to score under the posts then convert the try herself.

The second half began with Stockton determined to get back into the match - and on 45 minutes they precisely that as they caught Workington napping to score their second try of the afternoon, which was converted.  

Suddenly - with the score now at 19 - 14 - it was anybody's game now. and on 50 minutes, the Finches were awarded a penalty and Stewart had the chance to increase the lead to 8 points, but her kick peeled away at the last moment and fell short before the posts.

Workington enjoyed more dominance with further inroads into Stockton's half, winning line-outs and scrums, but any pathway to the tryline was met with red and white shirted dogged resistance.

Having soaked up this relentless pressure, Stockton regained control and with 10 minutes to go launched a procession of attacks and high punts in an attempt to catch out Workington & snaffle an unlikely victory.

But every kick and every attack were met in kind by the Finches, whose alertness, concentration and resilience were all impeccable .

The returning Beth Adams was indomitable in her grafting while Sophie Bowness outfoxed her opponents as she smartly shuffled through three  forward positions while grinding down any Stockton player foolish enough to take her on.

Workington closed out the game and tears of emotion and joy greeted the final whistle - every single player gave their all on that pitch and results like this can ultimately prove crucial come season's end.

Stockton deserved worthy praise for making a game of it with their tireless, doughty spirit and the return fixture in Teesside next February promises to be just as close and competitive.

For now, Workington have a well-earned rest and recharge before the short trip to Penrith for Upper Eden Eagles a week on Saturday (18th).

By John Hastings @ The ESG