SWEET REVENGE AS FINCHES KICK OFF WITH FIVE STAR DISPLAY

For the second season in succession, Workington Finches began their league campaign by comprehensively defeating Winnington Park.

Last year, it had been 31 - 12 at The Ellis - this time round it finished 33 - 15 at Burrows Hill as the Finches exacted revenge for their narrow defeat at that ground on the final day of last season.

It was Winnington who opened the scoring with an unconverted try, but within 10 minutes, Workington snatched the lead when Nicole Stewart delivered her trademak solo run before touching down, then adding the conversion.

The Finches were now in the driving seat with Winnington unable to either contain their onslaught - especially with winger Elsa Whelan being a constant menace with her dazzling runs and feisty charges while Nikita Wilson was on top form several important tackles and Shaz Dunne produced her share of big hits as well as covering every blade of grass.

Workington's supremacy was underlined when two tries from Lauren Coulson - both converted by Dunne - extended the lead but Winnington had the last word of the first half with another unconverted try just before half time.

Early in the second half, Winnington reduced the deficit with another unconverted try, but that was as good as it got for them as Workington stepped up another gear and after a storming break from Stephanie Radcliffe, she offloaded to Coulson who was untouchable as she raced away to complete a well deserved hat trick. Dunne was unlucky with her conversion attempt.

Despite the absence of Charlotte Cammack (Bowman), the Finches' pack remained rock solid at all times, while Marie Shearman - in her first game back since becoming a mother - played like she had never been away with her tireless energy, Once again, Leonie Hudson rolled back the years as she played her part in three of the tries and was always in the face of anyone who crossed her path.

With minutes to go, Workington finished off the scoring when stand in captain Danielle Easdon charged down a kick and beat her opponent to go over between the posts and set up an easy hat trick conversion for Dunne.

The result sends out a warning to their fellow opposition in North 2 West that the Finches will be candidates for the title and having gone close over the past two seasons, they have made their intentions well and truly crystal clear.

Special mention must be given to two debutants for Workington - forward Kate Smith and winger Jasmine Story - both of whom will be vying for a regular place during the course of the season.

By Michael Coulson at Burrows Park
Additional reporting by John Hastings