Workington Town may be heading straight back to League One, but the majority of their players are staying loyal despite a pay cut – and showing some commitment in the face of adversity.
They lost 48-18 at Bradford’s Odsal Stadium but at half-time were in front 8-6 after a determined effort against a Bulls side with their own problems.
But a repeat over the second-half proved beyond Chris Thorman’s men as Bradford ran in seven tries to complete what looked an easier victory than what it actually was.
Only 2,691 watched the game which is one of Bradford’s concerns and the fans would have been concerned on 13 minutes when Carl Forber nipped over for the opening try on the back of a scrum. He added the conversion.
Then Town went further ahead on 26 minutes when Forber opted for two points when they were awarded a penalty.
It had been a great effort to this point and they still held a two point advantage at the break although the Bulls pulled back with a try by Chester Butler, converted by Dec Patton.
When Workington scored the first try of the second-half four minutes in there was real optimism. Loanee substitute Connor Terrill went through a convenient gap to touchdown with Forber adding the conversion.
On 48 minutes, though Bradford went in themselves when a great pass from Lawford found AJ Wallace who crashed through for the try which Patton converted.
Four minutes later Bradford were in front for the first time when George Flanagan darted through a gap and wriggled over the line. Patton converted.
The Bulls increased their lead on 57 minutes when Joe Burton got round and through three Town tacklers with some fancy footwork to touchdown with Patton converting.
Town weren’t finished, though, and on 61 minutes they worked an opening Alex Clegg finished in the corner with a dramatic dive in by the flag to make it a six point game.
But the final quarter proved to be a disaster for the Cumbrians as Bradford went from 24-18 to double their tally with four more tries all converted by Patton.
Flanagan, Kieran Gill, Ryan Miller and Sam Hallas all crossed and Patton finished with a full house of kicks, eight from eight.
