Workington Finches 14, Keswick Falcons 26
The Falcons travelled to the Ellis Sports Ground in Workington for the return fixture after taking narrow victory over the Finches 5-0 late last year, writes Dean Robinson. Both teams would have to battle against the weather in wet, wild, and windy conditions.
Workington would take the side playing backs against the wind to gain advantage of kicking down field for ground, something which they displayed well throughout the game. In the first half, it would certainly be a fight to keep the home side from scoring a try.
The wet conditions proved difficult and keeping hold of the ball resulted in plenty of scrummages and less chances to move it out to the edges.
At the start of match, Keswick were fast to react utilising quick ball recycled at the breakdown – allowing sisters Sarah and Victoria Cullinan to distribute around the park into the forward pack – and out through the backs.
Numerous phases of play later in the opening minutes would then see playmaker and back of the match Victoria send Lilly Hodgson through the narrowest of gaps by changing the direction of play and over the home side try line. This was successfully converted by Vicky Mitchell.
The Finches soon returned at the restart, with the Falcons being tested in their defensive skills as they spent a good amount of time fighting to win the ball and play out, only for it to be sent back by the Workington fly half kicking into the available space.
Halfway through the first half is where Workington would grab their first three points of the match via a penalty conceded at a ruck by Keswick. One of several that would keep spectators on their feet for most of the play.
The response from Keswick forced a knock-on at the kick off, and a slog of carries ensued from the scrum, caking both teams in the muck.
A hard carry from second row Lucy King saw the Falcons’ second try just right of the sticks and successfully converted once more.
Toward the end of the half, the Finches would grab another three points from a penalty kick meaning it was all to play for in the second.
Much of the play for the last 40 minutes of play would be kept in the forwards. There were plenty of chances and executions for turnovers which made for an exciting game. Keswick played out of their half for a good 10 minutes managing to kick out of danger, however Workington would soon return and win another penalty positioned in front of the posts to bring the score close to the tipping point. 9-14.
Captain Leanne Grave provided the Falcons with an impressive leap in the lineout. Leanne was greatly successful throughout the game, winning the majority of, if not all, of the lineout balls. A combined effort and well-trained technique from towers of power, Mag Todd, forward of the match, and Kate Stanton, ensured Leanne was lifted double the height of everyone else.
The weather was not letting up and changes were made to bring on some much-needed fresh legs. Cheska Horsburgh being one of those substitutions who managed to blast past several defenders falling onto the try line while Workington players anchored her down.
Vicky Mitchell would then complete her three from three conversions and further substitutions were made to keep Keswick moving forwards.
Once again, the Finches would never give in and managed to claw their way up the pitch, securing a scrum five metres from the try line.
A well-executed move by the backs, and fast feet from their fullback, supplied them with a well-deserved try bringing the tally to 21-14.
The final try came from Bethani Fearns, whose change in position from outside centre to the wing, allowed her to support Lilly at the ruck with a quick pick and go against depleted Workington numbers. The final phases of play were ground out battles with Workington trying to gain some yards from the middle of the pitch for a last-minute try.
A final, exhausted tackle into touch followed by the ref looking down at his watch signalled the end of the game.
Cheers erupted from the players and grandstand adding this hard-earned victory to the Falcons’ unbeaten run so far for 2023.
A well-fought game of rugby in horrendous but predictable Cumbrian weather. The Falcons’ final game of the season takes place back on home soil against unbeaten visitors and league winners Horden & Peterlee Valkyries. A match not to be missed!
Kick off, Saturday March 18, at Davidson Park, 2pm.
