Cockermouth went down 30-17 at Winnington Park in North Two West but it was their best away performance of the season.
It will certainly have given the Cumbrians a confidence boost as the defeat came down to a referee’s call; bad luck with a bouncing ball and missed scoring opportunities.
Cockermouth made a solid start with their forwards continuously on the front foot as Sam Wilson and Adam Brough led the way on carries.
Wilson was held up against an upright when it looked as though the support would carry him over.
Unfortunately, they failed to register any points in this spell with Ed Gate missing with a long-range penalty and also hitting a post with the second attempt.
Coach Chris Wright said: “As we have found this season the biggest difference at this level is opposing teams are very good at taking points when they visit the 22.
“Winnington Park were no different and they scored from a five metre scrum and then from a forward-led drive, the only two opportunities they had at that stage.”
At 12-0 down the Wasps knew they had to score next and after very strong forward pressure, with Robbie Skelton making an impact off the bench, Gate called for quick ball.
As a result Ben Irving calmly finished with good pace and composure, but again Gate’s kick came back off the post so they trailed 12-5 at the back.
Cockermouth started the second-half on top and great work by the impressive Mike Stephens put Park under pressure. When the hosts tried to run the ball out a long pass was intercepted by Ben Irvin who went in under the posts and Gate’s conversion levelled the scores.
Cockermouth kept up the good work and deservedly took the lead after good possession and carries by the whole pack. This time it was John Irving who released Luke Armstrong down the right wing and he beat a defender before re-gathering his chip ahead to score a brilliant try in the corner.
Cockermouth were unable to keep their hosts in the red zone and from trailing by five points they gained a one-point lead at 18-17 with two successful penalties.
The referee had allowed an open game and seemed to be managing it well until the crucial final quarter when the game changer would cause the Wasps anguish.
The pack had gained excellent field position and from a penalty the lively Mark Watson took a tap quickly, gaining advantage whilst beating four defenders.
The home side defended well and brought the Wasps support down on the try line. Cockermouth could have scored on the short or open side but as James Hunter lifted with the ball the referee blew for “an unsuccessful ruck.”
Coach Wright said: “It wasn’t until a chat afterwards that it was revealed what he meant by this. He felt the Winning Park defenders had won the ball and our advantage had gone.
“Rugby can be a cruel game and Winnington Park scored two tries in the last five minutes.
“The Wasps had given their all, had shown they have learnt from previous games but were left thinking of what should have been.”
