It is now three wins out of four in the RFU North 2 League for Workington Zebra Finches, writes John Hastings.
They held off a feisty second half onslaught from Stockton Rockets to win 19-14 at The Ellis.
Direct from kick-off, the Finches camped deep in Stockton territory with a combination of smart attacks and strong scrummaging.
It was from a scrum that led to captain Charlotte Cammack to treat herself to a belated birthday present by ploughing over to open the scoring with an unconverted try.
Stockton instantly regrouped and slowly eased themselves into the game with a few attacks of their own and their dedication reaped dividends on 14 minutes when they cut the Workington defence to pieces with a try between the posts, which was then converted.
The Finches snatched back advantage from the re-start as they delivered an impressive display of open rugby, with Stephanie Ratcliffe providing clinical off-loads and the intimidating runs of Megan Donald and Millie Woodburn on the wings.
On 21 minutes they regained the lead after Stockton were stretched by Workington’s passing and it was Juliet Porter who finished off with a try that Nicole Stewart easily converted.
For a while, the match stalled into midfield domination as both sides cancelled out each other with doughty defending but five minutes from time Workington again swamped Stockton’s half.
With several scrums close to the line, they should have scored, but were pegged back by Stockton’s focus and resilience.
However, with seconds ticking away to half time, Workington finally increased their lead when Ratcliffe offloaded to Stewart, who then left her challengers floundering as she sprinted clear to score under the posts then convert the try herself.
The second half began with Stockton determined to get back into the match – and on 45 minutes they precisely did that as they caught Workington napping to score their second try of the afternoon, which was converted.
Suddenly – with the score now at 19-14 – it was anybody’s game and on 50 minutes, the Finches were awarded a penalty.
Stewart had the chance to increase the lead to eight points, but her kick peeled away at the last moment and fell short.
Workington enjoyed more dominance with further in-roads into Stockton’s half, winning line-outs and scrums, but any pathway to the try line was met with red and white shirted dogged resistance.
Having soaked up this relentless pressure, Stockton regained control and with 10 minutes to go launched a procession of attacks and high punts in an attempt to catch out Workington and snaffle an unlikely victory.
But every kick and every attack were met in kind by the Finches, whose alertness, concentration and resilience were all impeccable.
The returning Beth Adams was indomitable in her grafting while Sophie Bowness outfoxed her opponents as she smartly shuffled through three forward positions while grinding down any Stockton player foolish enough to take her on.
Workington closed out the game and tears of emotion and joy greeted the final whistle – every single player gave their all on that pitch and results like this can ultimately prove crucial come season’s end.
Stockton deserved worthy praise for making a game of it with their tireless, doughty spirit and the return fixture in Teesside next February promises to be just as close and competitive.
For now, Workington have a well-earned rest and recharge before the short trip to play Upper Eden Eagles on November 18.
