Cockermouth took another firm step away from the bottom of North Two West with a positive and convincing performance at Orrell.
Not only was it their first away win but 41-10 was their biggest win of the season enjoyed by a large group of travelling fans, sponsors and committee members.
As has been their custom of late, the Wasps got off to a fine start with controlled, suffocating and disciplined defence, along with a high tempo attacking game.
After brilliant runs from Sam Wilson and Ed Gate it was James Hunter who burrowed low and hard to score the first, unconverted try.
The Wasps continued to dominate the game and played their best rugby of the season, with one important exception – not being able to take enough of their chances.
A Luke Armstrong try was disallowed for a forward pass and Liam McAvoy just lost control of the ball after an excellent run from winger Fielden who off-loaded a great ball inside.
It can be a funny old game, however, and after having no green zone play Orrell followed a kick through and Ed Gate, who had tracked back superbly, was wrongly judged to have pushed the winger in his pursuit of the ball.
A penalty try was given and worse was to follow with a successful Orrell penalty. After a brilliant start it was frustrating to be trailing 10-5.
Importantly the hosts wouldn’t get another sniff of points and the Wasps found top gear.
John Irving, who is having a brilliant season, made another line break and the outstanding back-row of Will Gate, Ben Irving and Wilson backed it up before the final off-load went to Hunter who went in for his second try.
The half time team talk was easy. Enjoy having the wind and the downhill advantage, kick wisely and play it when on. Let the forwards continue to boss the game.
The Wasps carried out the instructions perfectly and Orrell rarely got out of their half. Cockermouth scored tries at regular intervals, several from brilliant play.
McAvoy and man of the match Wilson had tries disallowed but Hunter completed his hat-trick.
Luke Armstrong was quick onto a loose ball from a fine scrum taken against the head; Ben Irving, enjoying himself at flanker was sharp in getting to a Wilson off-load and captain Mark Watson, who is back to his best form, rounded-off the day with a short-side try after a good run by lock Ant Davies.
