FURNESS 42 v COCKERMOUTH 27

FURNESS booked their place in the Cumbria League Cup final against Egremont after another high-scoring match at the Strawberry Grounds.

On a day made for free-flowing running rugby, the Blues’ ability to counter attack from anywhere on the park kept the scoreboard ticking over.

However, the foundations for the victory were built on the refusal of all 18 players to accept that defeat was an option, particularly in the first half as their opponents proved to be quite a handful.

The game was barely five minutes old when Cockermouth forced a line-out five metres from the home side’s line and had their first chance to expose what has been one of Furness’ Achilles heels during previous weeks.

And so it was almost inevitable that the clean take resulted in the visitors forcing their way over in the corner to get the first points on the board.

Furness had taken to the pitch with only three recognised backs, but it was Rhys Studt proving his versatility at full-back, who sparked Furness into life with a trademark 50-metre break.

The home side managed to retain possession and, following a deft kick to the corner, winger Jordan Ashton won the race to touch down.

Steve Perry had his kicking boots with him and slotted the difficult touchline conversion to put the home side 7-5 in front.

Robust running from Martin Ward on the other wing for the Blues helped relieve the pressure of Cockermouth’s attacks and soon after Furness’ other flying machine, Tom Brannon – playing his first game of the season – was able to capitalise on strong midfield defence and return the ball 60 metres under the posts for a try.

Undeterred, Cockermouth continued to dominate, with their robust back-row trio making good yards.

On the half-hour-mark they deservedly scored another try to narrow the deficit to two points.

Further bad news for Furness followed as Studt left the pitch concussed after a forlorn attempt to prevent the score.

The Blues had to re-organise and the visitors were able to capitalise with another score to go into half-time 17-14 up.

Perry levelled the scores with a penalty kick almost immediately after the break.

The second half would belong to the Brannon family. Tom, now operating at full-back, was giving the visitors multiple headaches with his barnstorming running, and he was able to release cousin Andy with a neat offload to regain the lead.

Tom swiftly followed this up with another try of his own and Perry quickly extended the lead to 15 points with the conversion and another penalty.

Cockermouth were not for lying down though and scored again, making for a tense last 10 minutes.

But it was that man Tom Brannon who again put Furness on the front foot and enabled hard-working captain Joe Mallinson to cross for the decisive try. The result was then put beyond all doubt with another Perry penalty, before a Cockermouth consolation try completed the scoring.

Five tries apiece implies that the only difference between the teams was the kicking, and while this was certainly a factor, it was the Blues’ ability raise their game in the forwards when it mattered, together with the ability to make yards from anywhere, that really won the day.

Finally a word of appreciation to the Cumbria Society team of Tyrone Castles, Ciaron Trainor and Rick Scott, who contributed to the spectacle with their fine officiating.