Games involving Aspatria, when they encounter opposition from the upper half of the Regional North League seem destined to follow a familiar pattern.
It could best be described as a bad habit that Aspatria will be anxious to lose when the next league campaign commences in September.
Aspatria watchers will recognise the signs. Aspatria put in a first half performance that matches their more illustrious opponents, very often going into the second period with every hope of a victory.
The second half starts, the wobble begins and so it was in the defeat at Middlesbrough where they went down 45-28.
However, there was a twist at the end that no one was expecting.
The first half finished with a single try each. The Aspatria score coming from number eight Stuart Creighton.
Only a penalty goal from the home side separated the teams when the half time whistle blew.
Middlesbrough led 10-7 but from this point the home side rapidly took the game away from Aspatria with regular scores that pushed the home advantage to 40-7 and left Aspatria looking at a potential landslide.
This Aspatria side has its faults but throwing the towel in is not one of them.
The Black Reds looked at each other and determined that enough was enough as they ripped back into Middlesbrough.
The Aspatria response began with a try from second row Chris Graham whose steadily improving performances throughout the season have been a welcome feature.
Winger Alex Barton joined in the resurgence and a late penalty try capped the comeback.
The revival was never going to impact on the end result but was enough to deliver the try bonus point and a deserved reward for a never say die attitude.
Aspatria play league runners up Morpeth at Bower Park on Saturday. Whatever, the result in that one, Aspatria can reflect on a satisfying season that has consolidated their position in Level 6 rugby.
The Morpeth game will kick-off at 2-45pm, allowing the players and supporters to watch the televised Ireland v England game.
