Walney Central defeat Ulverston in final derby of Cumbria League season

WALNEY heaped more misery on bottom club Ulverston, running in eight tries against the willing but outplayed visitors to Central Drive.

With nothing more than local pride at stake – this is the last surviving south-of-the-county derby in the Cumbria League – the match lacked the usual zip of neighbourly rivalry, although to their credit, the visitors never led their heads drop even when the game was done and dusted.

The balance of the opening stages offered no hint of the points rush that was to come from Cents before the interval.

They opened the scoring on 13 minutes when a long run by Jamie Morrow set the platform for the move that ended with Tom Lamb going over for the first of five first-half tries.

Five minutes later, Adam Nicholson made the most of an opening in the Ulverston defence to increase the Walney lead and, by half-time, the contest was as good as over.

Ulverston did have their moments – the best when a certain try was ruled out for a forward pass – but it was Walney who called most of the shots, and Jamie Ralph, Harry Gee and Ethan Furness all crossed for further first-half tries.

All were converted by stand-off George Nicholls to give Walney a 30-0 lead at the break.

Any hopes that slope and wind advantage would offer Ulverston the opportunity to stage a second-half comeback were shattered when full-back Connor Pearce twisted his way out of a tackle to add a sixth try for Walney.

In the 53rd minute it was the turn of Jonathan Corkill to get his name on the scoresheet when he burst through the tiring defence to take Cents 40-0 in front.

But Ulverston never lost their self-respect and they were rewarded when stand-off Sam Williams went in for their first points.

Jamie Morrow added a try for Walney, but it was Ulverston who had the final say thanks a last-minute try from their most effective forward Matty Storey.

The win lifts Walney up into fourth place and a play-off spot, but – like Ulverston who round off their fixtures with a trip to unbeaten Hensingham – they will be happy to see the curtain come down on what has been a disappointing season for the three-time champions.