ROYAL NAVY 0 WORKINGTON TOWN 56
CALLUM LINFORD, United Services Recreation Ground, Portsmouth, Sunday
JONNY HUTTON claimed a hat-trick as Workington sailed into the Challenge Cup third round, in which they will host Leigh.
The former Ulverston’s player’s contribution was part of an eleven-try haul as Town ensured they made the 730-mile round trip to the Navy’s Rugby League home on the south coast worthwhile.
It meant a successful first mission for new Town coach Jonty Gorley, whose side always had control of the contest.
Conditions were tough, but Workington adapted well and took an early lead through Hutton, who is in his second season as a professional.
New Australian arrival Cooper Howlett slid over to make it 8-0, then Rio Corkill, one of a clutch of players to follow Gorley from Whitehaven, went in after quick hands by his teammates.
Ciaran Walker, trying to deal with a swirling wind, tagged on the first of his six goals (three in each half).
At times the Navy pressed and had good possession, with Jonny Stoppard and Brodie Butler prominent, but they couldn’t capitalise, with the final pass often letting them down.
Workington struck again on 20 minutes when Will Evans, the Australian centre who has moved from Whitehaven, crashed over.
The ever-alert Jamie Doran, another to have crossed the west Cumbrian divide, popped over before Zarrin Galea pounced on a home mistake to set up Hutton for his second.
With Walker improving both, it was 30-0 at half-time.
The second period began with the Navy attempting to build pressure and they came close wide out, only for the ball to run out of play.
At the other end, Callum Phillips marked his move from Whitehaven by capitalising on a kick by Walker, who then goaled the try.
The halfback converted again after Warrington loanee High scattered a number of defenders to power across the line.
Hutton completed his treble after great work by Phillips and Jake Carter, then Jack Stephenson claimed a fine score by bumping off a series of challenges as Workington reached the half-century.
Corkill poached his second try and Walker kicked his final two-pointer just before the hooter.
GAMESTAR: Jack Stephenson’s damaging runs for Workington caused the Navy issues.
GAMEBREAKER: Town’s third try by Rio Corkill effectively sunk home hopes.
MATCHFACTS
NAVY
1 Danny Dainty
2 Kini Dakuliga
3 Ben Conner
4 Joey Sugden
5 Harry Vorweg
6 Jack Bartlett
7 Luke Baird
8 Elliott Richardson
9 Rhys Joel
10 David Brown
11 Brodie Butler
12 Eden Quantock
13 Jack Ray
Subs (all used)
14 Reagan Hargreaves
15 Jonny Stoppard
16 Robbie Hawkshaw
17 Charlie Newcombe
TOWN
1 Zarrin Galea
5 Jonny Hutton
3 Rio Corkill
4 Will Evans
5 Levi Atiga
6 Ciaran Walker
7 Dom Wear
10 Stevie Scholey
9 Jamie Doran
16 Guy Graham
17 Caine Barnes
11 Cooper Howlett
12 Jake Bradley
Subs (all used)
21 Callum Phillips
28 Jake Carter
13 Jack Stephenson
23 Noah High
Tries: Hutton (5, 35, 65), Howlett (8), Corkill (12, 80), Evans (20), Doran (24), Phillips (45), High (50), Stephenson (72)
Goals: Walker 6/11
SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-4, 0-8, 0-14, 0-18, 0-24, 0-30; 0-36, 0-42, 0-46, 0-50, 0-56
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Navy: Brodie Butler; Town: Jonny Hutton
Penalty count: 4-3
Half-time: 0-30
Referee: Josh Pemberton
