St Benedict’s beat Cockermouth 17-12 in the semi-final of the County Cup for Under-14s.
Both teams deserve a lot of credit for putting in determined performances in cold, wet and windy conditions.
With the wind behind them St Benedict’s put Cockermouth under pressure and took an early lead when strong running from Billy Joe Towers out wide got him in for the opening try.
Cockermouth looked to respond and get back on track but cold hands led to dropped passes when they tries to hit the spaces out wide.
Cockermouth’s forwards made good yards, but hard work in defence by St Benedict’s, and penalties at the breakdown, stopped Cockermouth’s momentum from building and the first half ended still at 5-0.
Cockermouth responded quickly in the second half after a St Benedict’s knock on near their line.
Max Bateson picked up from the scrum and fed Ed Williams who crashed over to score.
Cockermouth looked to play in the St Benedict’s half of the pitch but were thwarted by good St Benedict’s defence and more penalties given away at breakdowns.
Indeed they became messy as Cockermouth looked to counter ruck and compete for possession. It was St Benedict’s who made the key plays to capitalise on Cockermouth’s mistakes.
Kieran Donnan picked-up the ball and crashed over when Benny’s took the strike at a scrum on Cockermouth’s ball.
Donnan touched again after a series of knock-ons and passes when in retreat led to the ball being free over the try line. Cieran Hodgson converted.
Cockermouth kept working hard and towards the end of the game Lorton Curnow managed to pick up a loose ball from a St Benedict’s kick and score under the posts. Bobby Bell added the conversion.
However, time ran out for Cockermouth and St Benedict’s secured their place in the final. It was a good effort as they included several Under-13s in their side.
