Studt bags a hat-trick as Furness defeat Workington

RHYS Studt ran in a hat-trick for Furness as they held out for a 30-23 Cumbria League victory in a thrilling contest against Workington.

The hosts lined up with a much-changed side from the one which racked up a half-century of points against Windermere the week before, taking the lead at the Strawberry Grounds after just 12 minutes.

Furness skipper Corne Els, returning to his familiar back-row position, got his side into a good position with a 50-metre break, and although Workington were able to clear, Studt gathered the ball and scythed through the defence for an unconverted try in the corner.

The Zebras narrowed the deficit with a penalty three minutes later, swiftly followed by Ethan Guy kicking one for the home side.

Another piece of broken play led to Studt grabbing his second try of the afternoon in a similar fashion to his first, although this time he was able to score under the posts and allow a simple conversion which put Furness 12 points up after 20 minutes.

However, Workington mounted a fightback and were all-square by half-time thanks to to two tries, the first of which was converted and the second of which saw the conversion in front of the posts missed.

Furness were revitalised when the second half got under way though, and a kick through from Els was chased down by Studt for him to dot down just before the ball went into touch.

Workington kept on the home side's heels though with another penalty and when Furness wobbled, the visitors took full advantage to score an unconverted try and move three points in front.

But despite conditions getting heavier, Furness ran the ball from their own 22 and it was moved wide for Phil Hayward to score an unconverted try which clinched the bonus point as well.

And any doubts about the result were put to bed in the closing stages when Dillan Taputu went over for Furness' fifth try of the match in the corner.

Furness host their final game of the Cumbria League season on Saturday when Upper Eden visit needing a win to secure top spot in the division.