Workington Town Ladies made one of their shorter trips to kick off their league season with an opening fixture at Leigh Miners Rangers.
It proved a fruitful trip as Town won 24-16, their first league win against the Miners in Leigh, following a 20-20 draw at Twist Lane last year.
Already, however, this Town side seem to be a different outfit in 2026 as they are through to the semi-finals of the Challenge Shield with a more than comfortable victory against championship Hull FC last week.
There was also good news for the visitors on the injury front as they were able to welcome back Alice Rush into the playing squad for the first time in a year.
However the game didn’t start well as on 13 minutes Adele Aldred scored, with Isla Aspden converting superbly for 6-0.
Town came back into the game and scored a try when Beth Adams took five defenders over the line with her for an unconverted try.
The restart was good for Town as they defended superbly and forced a knock on but there was then a stoppage in play to help aid an injured Leigh Miners player.
When they resumed Josie Scrimgour attempted to find support but the pass was too low for Nikita Gibson and then the game went back and forth with poor handling from both sides.
Leigh scored again out wide with Town’s defence left wanting when Charlotte Hill crossed for an unconverted try to lead 10-4.
The game started well in the second half for Town when on 50 minutes Leia Turner scored following good play from Adams and Naylor.
Town followed-up with a superb set as Scrimgour broke 40 metres and the game turned in the visitors’ favour as Keeley Chatters used superb footwork to feed Katelyn Misfud who got over the line. Chatters converted for a 14-10 lead.
Town improved their position with a fine fourth try from Leonie Bragg to push them into a two-score lead.
They even stepped up the pace and played some exquisite stuff to go further clear as Chatters scored a well-deserved try.
The Leigh side did try to build some pressure with a couple of minutes left on the clock and forced a knock on. Town defended well until Aspden touched down by the posts and the conversion wrapped-up the scoring.
Town were the beneficiaries of a huge kick off from Chatters who earned a drop out before the referee called time.
