Askam 26 Ulverston 22

ASKAM lifted the Harry Warman Cup – but had to withstand a late fightback from Ulverston in the final at Craven Park, writes JEFF COWARD.

The Barrow and District League leaders looked to be heading for a comfortable win holding a 26-6 advantage. But with 15 minutes of the game remaining Ulverston got a second wind to score three late tries.

For long periods Askam were on top of their game, but Ulverston, with a little more composure, could have put more points on the board.

Askam went ahead in the fifth minute when centre Chris Vanstone fed winger Tom Askew a timely pass, and he made a 40-ard dash to the line to score under the posts, with Brad Jackson adding the extras.

Ulverston put themselves back on level terms five minutes later when Josh Parkin drove the ball forward before unleashing Matty Kaye, who dived over the whitewash, with Liam Whinfield converting.

Dinger Bell then made good yards for Ulverston and the ball was moved swiftly along the line, but they lost possession and Cameron Cooper took advantage to score.

Ulverston tried to force their way back with a move involving Howard Rowley, Bell and Joe Ward but were unable to crack Askam’s defence.

With the clock ticking down to half-time Askam’s Dave Finlayson, Grady Slater and Joe Bell combined well for man-of-the-match Vanstone to stretch their lead to 14-6.

Ulverston started strongly after the break but were unable to capitalise on their advantage and Askam seized control as Cooper went over for his second try with Jackson again on target.

However Ulverston refused to buckle with Josh Rankin and John Hutton both held short of the line. Then Vanstone went on a scorching run to the line but was pulled back after putting a foot in touch.

Rob Blythe and Ross Tippett were proving to be a handful as Askam moved to within a yard of the Ulverston line where acting half-back Gareth Casson dived over. And with Jackson converting Askam looked home and hosed at 26-6.

However, Ulverston stormed back with Andy Allen swooping to score and Whinfield adding the extras. Further raids saw Paul Woodburn force his way over and with a minute left on the clock Rowan Smedley made a break and the ball was moved out wide to centre Eric Hill who scored.

But Askam held on to lift the trophy, in the handicap competition where Ulverston had a two-point start.