The eagles welcomed local rivals Cockermouth in the now normal conditions of cold artic wind and rain, with a blustery Solway wind keeping everyone fresh and all wingers in a state of hyperthermia.

The Eagles team on paper had a good blend of experience and youth, added in with recent 1st team starters, Dicky Miller and Lee Tinnion, and along with Steve Stoddart at 10 rolling back the years, and as normal ending the game in a clean shirt.

Cockermouth started the game quickly and within minutes the ball was launched upwards into the swirling wind, and with the Aspatria rear defence allowing the ball to bounce, the “Wigton” bounce assisted the hornets, straight into the winger’s hands and an easy stroll over. Conversion was missed but soon after a penalty slotted over and an 8-0 lead.

This seemed to kick Aspatria into action and for the next 20 mins pounded the Cockermouth defence with excellent strong running and rucking, keeping the ball and forcing the hornets to hang on. Mark Beverley at 8 made yards at every opportunity and supported by strong runs from Miller, and youngsters Dowling and Blackburn, this was excellent rugby and when the outside backs took the ball, it was Nax Lightfoot, Bowes and Tinnion making strong runs.

On three occasions the ball was over the Cockermouth line and every time the man in charge deemed the ball not grounded, however the next attempt witnessed quick hands from Stoddart to Tinnion and Owen Blackburn powered over for a well-deserved touchdown, Stoddart converted and the game was 7-8. On re-start the forwards gathered well and played up the pitch, giving quick ball to the backs and Lee Tinnion took the ball up the mid-field and then seemed to take the ball the long way round to finish with an excellent try wide out on the right. The conversion missed but the black reds were in control, 12-8.

For some reason the Eagles lost a bit of focus and let Cockermouth come back into the game, along with the penalty count increasing the ball was moved through the mud and towards the Eagles half, the Cockermouth 10 now using the wind and kicking to the corners and forcing Aspatria into retreat. Then a moment of madness and a quick line out taken 20 meters from the Aspatria line, seen the ball land in the Cockermouths 2nd row hands and galloping towards the line was brought down short, but quick ball recycled seen the Cockermouth pack barge under the posts, 12-15 and half time soon after.

Halftime was a quick discussion and back to it before hyperthermia moved along the backs and into the forwards. The second half played out in the middle of the field and with both sides making mistakes and handling errors, which must be said in extremely difficult conditions. But throughout the half the Aspatria pack had the upper hand and controlled the game well showing determination, grit and excellent defence, especially around the corners of the rucks. Stoddart showing years of experience slowed the game down and kicked well into the corners, turning the Cockermouth defence, and with the charging black-red tackling, ball was turned over and penalties given up by the hornets. Stoddart kicked 3 excellent penalties, with one of them heading towards the club house at one point then swerved back in right between the posts.

At 21-15 the game was in control and a cameo appearance by Mike Tinnion in the last 10 mins rolled back the years – although still not the oldest on the pitch!! In a very weird end and packing down for a scrum with 5 mins left the ref decided it was too cold and ended the game. This resulted in all players making a run for the hot bath in what must be said the speediest retreat ever seen on the Bower park.

Fantastic effort from both teams, but the Eagles ran out deserved winners and now look forward to the next game – when ever that will be!