Workington Zebra Finches wrapped up their RFU League 2 North campaign on a dramatic high as they fought back from 12 points down to burgle a last minute 19-17 victory at Skipton Roses, writes John Hastings.
It’s a win that puts the Finches in a good position ahead of next month’s RFU Community Plate Final and what made this success even more special was that they not only travelled with only travelled with only 16 fit players due to injuries, but were also down to 13 women for most of the second half after further knocks in what became a very physical encounter.
Having beaten Skipton 52-19 at The Ellis in the opening game of the season last October, Workington were eager to complete the double and barely a minute had passed before they took the lead after Danielle Easdon found Megan Mayhew-Beach who raced in unopposed for an unconverted try.
Skipton swiftly recovered and a spell of domination in Workington’s half paid off on eight minutes when thet went ahead following a neat pass and move that ended with a well taken try followed by the conversion.
The next 25 minutes were pretty much even as both sides produced driving scrums and dangerous attacking surges, but each side produced firm and uncompromising defence to nullify any serious try scoring attempts, and in the case of Skipton, they were more physical in their tackles and charges.
Six minutes from time, the deadlock was broken when Skipton stepped up the pressure and managed to scythe through Workington’s cordon to increase their lead with another converted try.
The second half began with Skipton building on their domination as they pegged back Workington into their own half with fierce scrummaging and committee driving but their only reward was a penalty on 47 minutes that increased their lead to 12 points.
More fierce Skipton tackling ensued, which included Lottie Cammack receiving two black eyes but she refused to give up – however when injuries led to Workington being reduced to 13 fit players on the field the referee ordered Skipton to retire two players and scrums remained contested.
Workington regained the momentum and with Megan Donald, Sarah Tweddle, Megan Mayhew-Beach and captain Juliet Porter all making probing inroads into Skipton’s half, allied to more efficient driving by Cammack, Rachael Cairns and Beth Clarke, they were determined to snatch an unlikely win.
On 67 minutes, a successfully drilled scrum led to Cammack finding space before gleefully storming home under the posts for her ninth try of the season and the perfect reply to Skipton’s heavy-handed approach. Donald added the conversion to reduce the arrears to only five points.
Now it was Skipton who began to crack slightly, as from the restart they made uncharacteristic knock-ons and conceding advantage – whereas in total contrast Workington remained composed and striving for that one chance for a smash and grab triumph.
With seconds ticking away, Workington seized their chance as their final attack launch was polished of Donald’s dazzling run and touchdown for her 19th try of the season that made the scores level.
Donald then added the cherry on the top with an absolute beautifully struck conversion and the referee’s whistle for full time triggered joy and celebration.
Skipton – despite their loss – can be proud of their third place finish in RFU League 2 North and will be serious rivals to Workington for the title next season, that is if the RFU resist the temptation to restructure the divisions once again.
Meanwhile, Workington can reflect on a bittersweet league campaign which saw them lose only twice to champions Lancaster Lionesses – were it not for that controversial early ending of their narrow defeat at Lancaster, it’s a certainty that the league trophy should have been on the coach going home.
As mentioned before, several key players were missing through injuries, but hopefully they and the ones who came off at Skipton will recover in time for the RFU Community Plate Final at Worcester against Okehampton on May 17 as the Finches aim to complete a hat-trick of silverware.
