On an otherwise miserable day on the road for our rugby union teams, Windermere could hold their heads high after a battling performance in their 26-0 defeat against Cumbria Division One leaders Cockermouth.

It was a daunting challenge for the Ambers, who played in stormy conditions and conceded three tries during the first half before having a concerted spell of pressure after the break, but they couldn’t quite break their duck.

Cockermouth added one more score during the second half, with Adam Brough using his footwork to power his way past three defenders and earn the hosts their bonus point.

After refusing to throw in the towel against one of the strongest teams in the division, Windermere welcome Workington to Dawes Meadow this weekend, looking for their first win since November.

Furness were also ‘nilled’ on their travels, as they were dispatched 63-0 by fourth-placed Wigton and remain second-from-bottom ahead of Saturday’s trip to mid-table Egremont.

Millom’s rough patch of form continued as they were hammered 86-6 by St Benedicts, who are only being kept off the top of the standings by Cockermouth on points difference.

Millom were always going to be up against it, but the fact that they were only able to travel with 15 players practically made it mission impossible. They host Wigton at Wilson Park on Saturday.