Cockermouth Under-16s hosted Carlisle in the County Cup mini league and finished winners by 17-0.
The conditions were tough and the pitch was heavy but a full-strength Cockermouth side started well and dominated territory for the majority of the opening period.
Working well was a particularly effective steal at the line-out from Finlay Henderson which they have been working hard on at training.
After a close opening the deadlock was broken with a good team try as the ball was moved through the backline for Max Petre to finish superbly in the corner.
It wasn’t easy under the conditions and the play was often slowed due to many unforced errors and issues at the scrum.
However Cockermouth continued to apply pressure and looked dangerous although Carlisle’s defence was strong.
Eventually the young Wasps managed to get over the line again with captain Charlie Tucker powering over as three Carlisle players were unable to stop him.
The lead was 10-0 at the break and during the half-time talk the Cockermouth team was encouraged to keep it tight with shorter passes to reduce the errors, exploit the kick and apply pressure.
They did this well enough but more often than not the conditions proved too troublesome and Cockermouth just didn’t seem to exploit their pace and skill to full effect.
They did, however, show a lot of really good work at the ruck with excellent control and strength to keep Carlisle frustrated by Calum Graham and the man of the match Nate Nellist.
Cockermouth managed to score a third try from their talented fly-half Robson Campbell.
Thinking quickly he put in a perfect grubber kick and was able to get on the end of it himself just before the dead ball line. He then converted the extras from in front of the sticks.
Carlisle never gave up and really battled in the forwards and their defence in the backline was also strong, stopping talented centres Aiden Steel and Keane Devoy from getting on the score sheet.
The centre pair, however, both made some great yards during the game continually testing the opposition.
It ended 17-0 after a very competitive match played in horrid conditions with Nellist’s consistent work at the ruck earning him the man of the match accolade.
The win extended the Under-16s highly encouraging unbeaten run.
