After six defeats in succession, Workington Zebras finally sampled their first Cumbria League victory since October as they ran in 5 tries to comprehensively humble fellow strugglers Furness 31 - 7 at The Ellis.

Workington were dominant from kick off and on 17 minutes broke the deadlock when Scott Rooke began a scintillating run from halfway before the ball was subsequently offloaded to David Wordsworth, who nonchalantly touched down between the posts; thus allowing Rooke an easy conversion.

Four minutes later, Furness hit back and drew level when a successful line out was followed by Chris Dalton ghosting in to score followed by a smooth conversion by Dave Finlayson.

Clearly stung by this concession, the Zebras began to step up a gear and a period of extensive pressure paid off on 33 minutes when a grubber kick was snaffled by Rooke who raced clear to go over the whitewash, though he was unlucky to see his conversion fall short.

On the stroke of half time, Rooke again punished Furness when he was stole a loose pass before racing clear to score in the corner and while his conversion was unsuccessful, the lead had been extended to 17 - 7 at half time.

The second half was only three minutes old when Workington sealed a Bonus Point with their 4th try of the day as a speculative pass was intercepted and Jack Todhunter provided the denouement by storming home. Rooke added the conversion and completed a hat trick of kicks 10 minutes later when more deep insurgence into Furness territory ended with Sam Robinson darting in under the posts.

Workington could - and indeed, should - have scored further tries, but Furness managed to close hitherto open gaps and frustrated their hopes with resolute defending.

After finishing off 2019 with a badly needed victory, the Zebras now lie ninth in the Cumbria League and with games to come away to basement club Creighton and at home to Carlisle Crusaders, they will be hoping to start 2020 by remaining on the winning trail.

By John Hastings @ The ESG

Workington RFC

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