Whitehaven have the bragging rights in the West Cumbrian rugby league fraternity after a 22-14 win over Workington Town tonight.
As usual it was a hard-fought affair by two evenly-matched sides but Whitehaven came stronger at the end in testing conditions to claim the win.
There were some outstanding performances on both sides, particularly in the forwards with long stints from Tom Wilkinson (Haven) and Conor Fitzsimmons (Town) proving ever-so-valuable contributions in a strength-sapping game.
But Haven had the game’s outstanding forward in Australian Ryan King and it was fitting that he should drive over for the match-clinching try four minutes from the end.
Whitehaven had the tonic of a try on three minutes when debutant full back Davy Litten used both pace and strength to get over in the corner.
But Town were level on 11 minutes when they put together a neat attacking move and Alex Clegg was able to get in for an unconverted try,
After a spell of strong Haven pressure they gave away a penalty and a long kick from Jamie Doran set up position.
On 24 minutes, after five tackles, Evan Simons spotted a gap and went in under the posts for a fine individual try which Doran converted.
Whitehaven were almost in from Kieran Hudson but he was held up on the line. However from the following play the ball was worked wide for Dave Ecclestone to go in for a try on 34 minutes and Connor Holliday landed the conversion to put the sides level.
However just before half-time Town took the lead again with a successful kick and chase. Oscar Thomas put in a clever kick which was followed-up by Will Tate for a debut try. Doran’s conversiom hit the post.
Incredibly there was still time for Haven to draw level after Town had failed to find touch. They broke as the hooter sounded and Will Evans got over for the equalising try.
Holliday failed with the kick and the sides turned round all square.
The rain had started towards the end of the first-half and it was much heavier in the second half, which affected ball control and the high completion rates of the first period weren’t repeated.
It had been a fiercely contested derby and with conditions deteriorating both sides found it hard going entering the final quarter.
On 64 minutes Whitehaven edged in front with a simple penalty by Nikau Williams.
Whitehaven seemed to be stronger in the closing stages and after both Tom Walker and Callum Phillips had been held up it was the outstanding Ryan King who charged in for the try which Williams converted.
It was the crucial score and Town never got close enough to threaten the home line before the final hooter.
Thanks to Jamie Crossan Sports Photography for the pictures. You can see more of his work here.
