Workington Town produced a terrific performance in defeat against the Championship title favourites Featherstone Rovers.
In strength-sapping, heavy conditions at Derwent Park the Cumbrians went down 26-10 – the closest the Rovers have been taken in three games so far.
Coach Brian McDermott said afterwards: “That’s the hardest game we’ve had so far in the Championship. Workington really made us work for it.”
Opposite number Chris Thorman added: “I am very proud of my group. I have tremendous belief in them and if anything I am left a little disappointed that we didn’t even run them closer.”
Featherstone had the wind and rain behind them in the first-half but could only establish a 14-0 lead by the break – with doubts about the legality of one of the three tries.
Town had tackled superbly as the majority of the game was played in their half, and despite the conditions the completion rate on sets was over 80%.
Featherstone had suffered a blow in the third minute when Bayley Gill had to retire with an ankle injury and it was his replacement Matthew Wildie who created the opening try for skipper Jack Bussey on seven minutes. Craig Hall converted.
Town had 42 points start on the handicap coupon but the rush of scoring didn’t materialise as Rovers dominated field position, but found it difficult to break a resolute home defence.
It took a controversial try on 16 minutes to five Rovers a further leg up. A ball went loose near the Town line and was kicked on by Gareth Gale with Brandon Pickersgill arriving late to get the touchdown but out of play according to some Workington players. Hall’s conversion was wide.
More solid defence continued to frustrate the visitors until they took advantage of some, for once, messy cover by Town and Gale went over for the try, which again went unconverted.
Four minutes after the restart Town gave their fans real hope when a huge kick early in their set was chased by several home players and when Pickersgill couldn’t collect under pressure Curtis Teare was able to pick-up and score. Oscar Thomas converted and it was game on.
Rovers weathered a series of strong Town attacks and when they started to find some field position they scored a crucial try on 57 minutes. Wildie made a great break from deep and Connor Jones was in support to take the pass and score for Hall to convert.
Ten minutes from time Featherstone had John Davies yellow-carded to set-up a big finish for Town. They were rewarded with their second try when Connor Fitzsimmons plunged over but Thomas’ conversion swirled wide in the wind.
At 20-10 there was just the hint of an upset against the 12 men but Featherstone got through a tricky spell and three minutes from time Bussey breezed through for his second try, converted by Hall.
It was a great effort by Town who must surely take encouragement from the performance for the task ahead.
