WORKINGTON TOWN 20 WHITEHAVEN 29
DAVE PARKINSON, Fibrus Community Stadium, Sunday

WHITEHAVEN will head into the play-offs after claiming victory in the West Cumbrian derby, condemning Workington to their 18th defeat of a tough season.

Town took the lead through Harrison Jewitt in the tenth minute on their first proper attack inside the visitors’ 20-metre zone and edged the first 15 before Whitehaven began to turn the screw, holding the ball for nine consecutive sets which resulted in twelve points.

Jack Kellett ran over on the right to open Whitehaven’s account with Ciaran Walker landing the first of four goals from five attempts.

After absorbing more pressure, Workington conceded on the half-hour when sprightly play from Ellison Holgate brought him a try to the left of the posts, again improved for 12-4.

A devil of a kick had Jaiden Tallantire jumping for the ball but when it went loose, Holgate picked up, flashed right and sent Mitchell Todd over with a bullet pass.

And just before the break, Jay Weatherill, who had recovered from a foot injury, struck a field-goal to stretch Whitehaven’s advantage to 17-4.

Early in the second half Ciaran Walker stepped up with a superb 40-20. And with Woody Walker chewing through the metres, Whitehaven remained on top.

After forcing a couple of drop-outs, Whitehaven struck on 45 minutes after Holgate offloaded and Ciaran Walker put in a kick for Jordan Burns to outjump two defenders to cross wide on the right. Ciaran Walker goaled to stretch the advantage to 23-4.

Workington responded in positive fashion with Jamie Doran and Jake Carter prompting, while Mason Lewthwaite was causing problems on the left.

After forcing a drop-out, the home side went close and a crossfield kick from Doran enabled Jewitt to touch down for his second try.

A golden chance went to ground when Carter split the line but his pass to Lewthwaite was put down and the opportunity lost.

Whitehaven all but secured the win in the 67th minute when soft hands from Weatherill led to Ethan Bickerdike grounding despite the attentions of three defenders, and Ciaran Walker completed his four-goal haul.

Workington made things more interesting in the last ten minutes with two tries.

Doran kicked on for Carter to ground at the side of the posts before a Tallantire break paved the way for Lewthwaite to gallop in. Carter goaled both.

But the bragging rights still belonged to Whitehaven, who step into the play-offs with six wins in seven.

GAMESTAR: Jay Weatherill was a box of tricks at the back for Whitehaven, overcoming early injury to play an influential role in the win.

GAMEBREAKER: Jordan Burns’ try after 45 minutes helped made it 23-4 and Whitehaven were in control.

MATCHFACTS

TOWN
27 Jaiden Tallantire
29 Harrison Jewitt
1 Zarrin Galea
23 Riley Dervan
22 Tanna Featherstone
6 Jake Carter
9 Jamie Doran
8 Ross Ainley
14 Callum Phillips
15 Callum Farrer
13 Jack Stephenson
11 Mason Lewthwaite
10 Stevie Scholey
Subs (all used)
17 Lucas Castle
20 Tyce Walmsley
25 Bear Williams
26 Tuarae Rawhiti

Tries: Jewitt (10, 57), Carter (75), Lewthwaite (78)
Goals: Carter 2/4

WHITEHAVEN
5 Jay Weatherill
31 Xenden Callander
2 Mitchell Todd
4 Ethan Bickerdike
1 Jordan Burns
6 Ciaran Walker
13 Jack Kellett
8 Jake Pearce
9 Ellison Holgate
24 Lewis Brown
11 Connor Holliday
23 Ben Pearce
20 Marc Shackley
Subs (all used)
16 Brad Brennan
25 Alfie Sinclair
27 Woody Walker
32 Liam Williamson

Tries: Kellett (27), Holgate (30), Todd (34), Burns (45), Bickerdike (67)
Goals: C Walker 4/5
Field-goals: Weatherill (39)

SCORING SEQUENCE: 4-0, 4-6, 4-12, 4-16, 4-17; 4-23, 8-23, 8-29, 14-29, 20-29

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Town: Jamie Doran; Whitehaven: Jay Weatherill

Penalty count: 4-6
Half-time: 4-17
Referee: Aaryn Belafonte
Attendance: 1,811