There was only one reasonably positive aspect of Carlisle’s 64-5 drubbing by Middlesbrough at Warwick Road.
The hosts did have 18 reasonably fit players to face their opponents after weeks of injury travails.
Unfortunately the game underlined why Carlisle are at the bottom of the Regional Two North table and Middlesbrough sit comfortably in third.
Their backs had pace with the wingers having the space and gas to go, which Carlisle simply couldn’t contain. There was a good opening few minutes from Carlisle as they kept visitors pegged back in their own half.
However a scrum to Middlesbrough allowed them to clear out of defence and although they committed a penalty in attack, the resulting kick didn’t go out and their winger shot down the right channel and over for their first try with just seven minutes gone.
Carlisle continued to press from the restart to put Middlesbrough on the back foot, but they soon snaffled the ball back.
They kicked downfield to regain territory, winning a penalty which was swiftly taken and were across again for their second after 10 minutes. Seven minutes later some very good inter-play between their backs made it 19-0.
Carlisle didn’t give up and again were pressing forward when a scrum in the Middlesbrough 22 gave the visitors the chance to spin it right and their winger shot down the park for their bonus point try after 27 minutes.
Carlisle still had opportunities to cross the whitewash, especially after a five metre line-out catch and drive saw them very close to the line.
However the visitors defence stood firm and they added another two tries before the half ended with Middlesbrough in front 36-0.
The second half was much the same as the first. Some good possession by Carlisle and field position to make an impact on the game, but they couldn’t convert it.
The visitors had the pace and quick hands across the backs to threaten with almost every attack, and were able to convert their chances scoring four more tries in the second half.
Carlisle managed a consolation try as a five metre line-out saw prop Harry Watson on his home debut appearance, managing to twist and turn his way through the last couple of defenders over the line.
It was meagre reward for the day’s efforts against a better side.
