Windermere 36 Creighton 5

WINDERMERE made it back-to-back Cumbria League wins with a straightforward victory over basement side Creighton.

The rearranged fixture saw the hosts defy the blustery and wet conditions at Dawes Meadow to produce some slick moves on their way to the points.

The first score came as a lineout 30 metres from the Creighton line was spread through to the backs, with the pack securing quick ball at the rucks.

Number eight John Sheasby appeared on the wing after the third breakdown and took advantage of the mismatch to break a tackle and score, though too wide for a conversion.

It was 20 minutes before Windermere struck again, turning defence into attack as Jack Holmes intercepted a pass and made a break.

Some good handling and support put Andy Duncan in for a try near the posts and a simple conversion from captain James Crawford put the hosts into a 12-point lead.

It was only a few minutes later that Windermere stole lineout ball inside the Creighton 22. Dan Harrison, playing at scrum half, fired out a pass to the backs and centre Jamie Dootson weaved in for another score, converted by Crawford.

The second half was barely under way when Windermere kicked for touch and took a lineout just 10 metres from the Creighton line.

It seemed the defence were expecting a catch and drive, so when the ball was spread wide, there was nobody to oppose Duncan, who sprinted in for his second score.

As the Creighton pack tired, Windermere were able to disrupt their scrum and stole the ball at the set-piece. Quick hands from the backs gave Duncan the ball as he arrived in the line with enough impetus to break two tackles and claim his hat-trick try.

With the score at 29-0, Creighton showed great heart and resilience and their energy and commitment did not falter, even after a quick tap penalty resulted in another try for Windermere.

With just a few minutes left, and with conditions and visibility worsening, Creighton rallied for a final effort and, after a sustained attack, quick ball from a ruck was popped to a centre arriving at pace.

He changed his angle and sliced through the Windermere defence for a well-deserved consolation.

The win leaves Windermere fourth in the Cumbria League, on equal points with third-placed Keswick, who visit Dawes Meadow on December 12.