Rugby Union

Published at 11:09, Thursday, 03 May 2012

WHITEHAVEN have bounced right back into the North Lancs Cumbria League after winning an exciting promotion play-off game.

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After finishing runners-up to Keswick in the Cumbria League, Whitehaven beat Trafford MV 33-22 at the Recreation Ground.

It was a tense contest with a lively, young Trafford side leading 12-7 at the break and 22-19 on the hour mark. But Whitehaven dug deep and two converted tries saw them through to a notable victory.

Coach John Gaffney said: “We were disappointed to be relegated last year so it is very good that we have been able to bounce straight back.

“Trafford have been playing more than we have recently as our League games finished some time ago, so they were match sharper but we hung in and came strongly when it mattered.

“I think the crucial 10 minute spell was just after we had gone in front again at 26-22. They were camped on our line but our defence was superb. It had to be and we held them out.”

Steve McCourt was singled-out for special praise with his tackling in the centre and replacement Scott Sanderson, also commended for his efforts in the second-half.

Whitehaven had taken the lead on 10 minutes with a well-taken try by winger Luke Scott who raced 60 metres for the opening try which Stephen McConnell converted.

But Trafford, full of energy and well-organised, came back strongly and deservedly led 12-7 at the break after scoring two tries, one of which was converted. They had used the wind well, and but for some excellent work by full-back Richard Postlethwaite, would have had a bigger lead.

Early in the second-half the West Cumbrians regained the lead. Sanderson made a quick impact as he put in a strong break which led to Postlethwaite racing in for a try which McConnell converted. The nip-and-tuck nature of the contest continued as Trafford went back in front, 15-14, with a penalty.

Then it was Postlethwaite again, a strong contender for Whitehaven’s man of the match, made a smart interception 40 metres out and he raced away to score an unconverted try.

Trafford found a way through the Whitehaven defence to score a converted try on the hour as they sensed a win.

But terrific work by George Suafoa, who charged over from the 22 to score under the posts, lifted Whitehaven again. McConnell converted. Then came Trafford’s spell of pressure in which the home defence was stretched to the limit, but they held on magnificently.

Then when Liam Tunstall managed to boot the ball down field Whitehaven’s forwards gained possession and eventually mauled their way to the line where Gary Dempster got the touchdown and McConnell added the final conversion.

There will be many derby games next season for Whitehaven against Wigton, Aspatria, Upper Eden, Workington, St Benedict’s, Keswick and Egremont.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk