Despite the best efforts of Storm Dennis, Workington and Whitehaven defied the atrocious elements at The Ellis and while Whitehaven won 34 -7, the real victor was rugby union as both sides told Dennis to "Do One, Marra".

For the opening 20 minutes or so, the action was predominantly confined in Zebras own half, with constant mauls and scrums taking precedence and just as Whitehaven were alert in their occasional attacks, so Workington were just as resolute in their defence.

But it was the visitors who broke the deadlock with two converted tries in the space of five minutes as their exerted pressure finally breached the Zebras' resistance and they increased their lead just before half time when a fine pass and move surge ended with a try in the corner, though this time round, the conversion was unsuccessful.

It got no better for the Zebras in the second half as Whitehaven proceeded to seal the bonus point and score another try for good measure within the opening 10 minutes - mercifully the incessant wind and rain meant that neither try was converted.

But then Workington finally managed to seize the initiative and with Jonny Howarth, Tom Lawson, Scott Rooke and Matt Gorley all in the throes of constant attacks, it was inevitable that the Zebras would break their duck and Howarth did just that on 55 minutes when he nonchalantly weaved his way through the complacent Haven defence to touch down and set up an easy conversion for Rooke.

Only a last ditch challenge with the tryline begging prevented the Zebras from claiming a second try ten minutes later and that was as good as it got for them as Whitehaven ultimately had the last word with a sixth try three minutes from time.

By John Hastings @ The ESG

Workington RFC

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Competition

League position

Team Sponsors

Login