Dean Richards was the guest speaker at Cockermouth’s sportsman’s dinner to round off a special day for the Strawberry How club.
Although he didn’t get there in time to see the game, the Wasps put up a fine performance as they nilled the opposition for the first time this season.
A 24-0 victory over De La Salle highlighted the defensive qualities of the side, individually and as a team.
Coach Chris Wright said: “Dean and the MC Howard Nicholson were outstanding as always and it was a great night.
“De La Salle stayed until 7.15pm, enjoying the Man Utd win on television so full marks to them.
“With our lads in good spirits, too, I am sure Dean enjoyed a proper amateur clubhouse.
“The away side were very complimentary of our performance and it was great to see the team start to implement what we have been working on.
“Our game management and improved decision-making were certainly helped with the experienced Ian McDowell and Mike Stephens on the field.”
As they had done in their previous win against Southport, the home side got off to a fine start.
John Irving made a great line break from a scrum move and man of the match Stephens was on hand to take the inside pass and crash over under the sticks for a debut try. Ed Gate converted.
Stephens is a former Egremont and Penrith back row forward who clearly has plenty still to offer.
De La Salle had their fair share of ball and their fly-half regularly asked questions with his quality pass and kicking game.
However the Cockermouth defence was superb all afternoon, leaving no gaps or opportunities.
The visitors did have two kicking opportunities but both penalties went wide.
The Cockermouth pack is growing in confidence every game and consistently demolished the DLS scrum. It was no surprise when they extended their lead from a push-over try with Will Gate claiming the touchdown.
Unfortunately this led to Mike Fagan have to retire with a calf injury but Luke Broster stepped-up and the scrum dominance continued.
Cockermouth were able to go in at half-time with a 19-0 lead as Ben Irving came on a great line from a dominant scrum and fending-off three players crashed over under the posts for Ed Gate to convert.
A very key message was given at half time – manage the game, build the lead if possible and improve the discipline.
The players responded well on all three counts, although guilty at times of not using Ed Gate’s kicking game enough.
However they dominated possession and when required defended brilliantly with improved discipline.
Fittingly it was the pack who delivered Cockermouth’s first four try bonus point of the season.
From a well-taken line-out by James Sewell, the forwards drove 20 metres to the line where McDowell grabbed his second try of the season.
Coach Wright said: “Congratulations to Mike Stephens on a man of the match performance, and also to the pitch volunteers who made the game happen after a difficult week through the weather.
“Well done too, to the young referee who travelled over from Northumberland and seemed to enjoy his first visit to Cockermouth.”
