CUMBRIA CUP UNDER-12s SEMI-FINAL

WALNEY CENTRAL 22 EGREMONT RANGERS 12

WALNEY have the chance to make it fourth time lucky in the Cumbria Cup final after their under-12s battled into the showpiece.

After three years of seeing Cents sides at the age level beaten at the last hurdle, the current crop defeated Egremont to open up the chance of finally landing the silverware.

Walney were just too strong for their plucky visitors and started the game well, keeping Egremont at bay in their first defensive set with strong tackling from Joe Green, Evan Rushton and Finley Rosconi.

Rushton made a 60-yard break, only for Walney to lose possession, but a brilliant high-ball take from Lewis McCracken set them up to score as a 50-yard solo try from the impressive Joe Green was converted by Rosconi.

Next on the scoresheet was Zack Whitehead, who weaved his way through would-be tacklers to make it 10-0.

Some great passing from Cents, with the ball going through the hands of Joe Hill, Elliot Doughty and Joss Edwards, was followed by an excellent long-range pass from Toby Wilson to set up up danger man Green, who rounded the defence to score under the posts.

The try was converted by Doughty to make the half-time score 16-0.

Egremont started the second half with intent and their impressive stand-off went on a 40-yard run, only to be halted by the ever-dependable Whitehead.

Walney made good yards through the trio of Isaac Thomason, Isaac Bibby and Joe Hunter, while Wilson and Rosconi were throwing the ball around well.

A pass eventually found Green, who rounded the Egremont defence to score his hat-trick try, with Bibby converting for 22-0.

Egremont followed up with a period of constant possession and eventually crossed for their first try of the game after good offloads and direct play.

Walney were made to work hard and only the solid defence of Beth Anderton, Liam Buck and Kian Goude kept the West Cumbrians at bay.

There was more good defensive effort as Cents did well to halt the six-foot tall Egremont prop on numerous occasions.

The visitors did score a late try, but by then the match had been sealed in Walney’s favour.

The game saw a great all-round display from both teams and Walney can now look forward to the final on September 11, against either Hensingham or Roose Pioneers Rabbitohs.

They will be hoping to break the run of the under-12s sides from Central Drive over the past three seasons and bring the trophy home.