Workington Town Ladies have celebrated their first win in competitive rugby league on Sunday after they beat Sheffield Eagles Ladies 32-16 at the Fibrus Community Stadium.
The Town side had put up decent performances in their previous two games, losing 32-22 to Widnes in the Cup and then going under 14-6 to Orrell St. James in their first League game.
Assistant coach Gareth Nicholson said: “It was a really good performance and they really had to dig deep when Sheffiel closed to 12-10 just after half-time.
“The effort and commitment from all the players was excellent and we scored some good tries. I think the best was by Caitlin Jenkinson after ome good handling across the line saw her go round the Sheffield defence to score.
“It’s a big game for us on Saturday when we are first on at Craven Park (10.30am) against Barrow Reserves when there will be three matches taking place – the women’s Super League and then the Raiders against Halifax in the Championship.”
Town had gone in front against the Eagles with a try from Nicole Stewart which was converted by Laura Ivison.
Jenkinson’s excellent touchdown, converted by Ivison, doubled Town’s lead but just before the break Sheffield scored an unconverted try.
When the visitors scored a converted try soon after the restart the pressure was on but Town responded well under pressure with some resilient defence.
The siege was lifted with a try from Lauren Bold and soon afterwards Millie Woodburn crossed for the fourth Town try as they started to dominate.
Ivison had converted and she also improved the fifth try from Juliet Porter which lifted Town into a clear 28-10 lead.
Although the Eagles scored again near the end it was only a consolation and the final word was with the home side when Woodburn crossed for her second.
Janette Fearon, Katelyn Mifsud and Steph Ratcliffe worked tirelessly in defence for the Town side and earned high praise from the coaching staff.
Stewart was awarded the Player of the game, closely followed by Ratcliffe.
