Workington Zebra Finches’ 100 per cent league record came to an end as they went down 20-17 away to Darlington in a tough encounter, writes John Hastings.
The Finches travelled with only 17 fit players and a long injury list that deprived them of several key women including Beth Adams, Marie Shearman, Laura Southam and Sophie Bowness.
This meant that Millie Woodburn and Cody Johnston made their debuts in Finches colours and both delivered confident performances.
Megan Donald scored two tries, while Caitlin Jenkinson not only scored a try, but also proved her versatility after being switched from left wing to centre and her consistent threatening breaks into Darlington territory clearly unsettled the hosts.
Although Nicole Stewart only landed one conversion, she was constantly in the thick of the action from kick off to final whistle – so much so that she was named Opposition Player Of The Match by the Darlington captain, who praised her tireless and tenacious spirit.
Special mention goes to Becca Small, who in only her second Finches match, filled in for Beth Adams at lock alongside Beth Sunderland and played as though she were a veteran, while aiding and abetting Sunderland in efficient grafting and doughty scrummaging.
The result drops Workington to 4th in the RFU North 2 league and now their attention turns to cup rugby this Sunday at The Ellis as they begin their defence of the RFU Junior Plate against Penrith Panthers.
