Furness 0 Hawcoat Park 3

AFTER a two year gap this derby game was much anticipated by all involved in both camps.

In good weather conditions the games of late have all been a war of attrition so in the wet and windy conditions of yesterday the players had an excuse for not producing an "El Clasico". Although no excuses on the playing surface side the Strawberry Grounds looking in good nick after a good rest.

What the play lacked in attacking play was balanced out by two committed even sides who demonstrated strong defence throughout.

In hindsight both sides can look back on their game management and decisions taken that could have produced a different score.

However, as it turned out it was us in the maroon and white camp who were delighted to earn a hard-fought win and continue an unbeaten start to the season.

Right from the start it was clear this was going to be a low scoring affair as two even packs battled to gain an ascendancy.

When the likes of Scott Dobbie, Paul Woodburn and Chris Thompson made good ground Hawcoat were frustrated by Adam Jackson putting in some long clearing kicks and making good use of the new 50 - 20 rule.

Both playing out of position our half backs Brad Morrow and Matt Sayle were doing a good job trying to control Hawcoat’s play and often assisting in the forward exchanges.

As the half progressed, Furness disrupted the opposition line out a mix of the difficult throwing in conditions and good work by Joe Mallinson at the front of the Furness line.

As in previous weeks our scrum was strong and rapidly become Hawcoat’s preferred go to option.

The best chance for points came when Furness fly half George Smith back at his spiritual home attempted a long-distance penalty goal. Falling short Hawcoat struggled to clear the line and gave away a penalty in front of the sticks.

Half time 0 - 0.

Much of the same in the second half we were on top at scrum time but both sides defence remained robust.

The only points of the game came 25 mins in when Matty Sayle booted over a fine 35 metre penalty goal.

As to be expected Furness finished strongly playing into their favoured clubhouse corner and through workmanlike defence, but Hawcoat just about managed to keep them out.

Winger Matt Burrows put in one bone crunching tackle which forced the ball loose just before full time.

Final score 0 - 3.

In his after-match speech Furness Chairman Chris Read neatly summed it up declaring the one-minute highlights disc will be available to watch shortly.

Furness did manage one victory with Joe Mallinson just about pipping Callum Ramsay in the man of the match drink off. However, it was the amble Furness beer that tasted the sweeter for the maroon and whites as they enjoyed the bragging rights in the first derby of the season with the reverse fixture at Hawcoat Park now keenly anticipated in mid-December.

A final word for Workington based referee Alan Jenkinson who controlled the game well in testing conditions.