Copeland U15s 18 Barrow and District U15s 26
BARROW and District's best under-15s rugby league aces proved themselves the county's top talents by taking the Cumbria Origin Series against the odds.
The boys from the south of the county followed up a 12-all draw against Allerdale with an impressive win over Copeland at Whitehaven's Recreation Ground despite being hit by key injuries.
Despite rain-soaked conditions, the standard of play was exceptional, demonstrating the class in the game across the area.
Right from the off, Barrow showed their intentions with some great tackling to keep Copeland pinned in their own half.
With the wind behind their backs, the home side put in a raking kick which was fielded by Hayden Carr. He bundled into touch with a tackle which saw him unable to return.
The visitors again showed tremendous spirit under pressure, producing quality tackle after tackle.
From a Copeland mistake, Barrow full-back Nathan Forety was taken out with a swinging arm to the head, which left him unable to continue as well, and the team down to 13 men – no substitutes – for the rest of the game.
The situation drove the South Cumbrian on, with great forward play from Antoni Kudelski and Kaelyb Woodend, who gained yards along with Mikee Light and Astin Mossop.
Barrow started to build pressure battering the Copeland line, and were rewarded with a fine try from Max Moore, who dummied his way over without a hand being laid on him. Jack Stephenson converted for a 6-0 lead.
The visitors continued to play with intent, with Morgan Burgess making good gains and producing some well-timed passes to bring his outside backs into play.
With good ball movement, Barrow increased their lead after Burgess and Moore linked up well to send Evan Jones over.
Copeland kicked into life and mounted sustained pressure, which finally resulted in a try and successful conversion to cut the gap to 10-6 at half-time.
In the second half, Barrow had the wind at their backs and soon extended their lead through Woodend, who scored under the posts relatively untouched after a great ball from Moore. Stephenson converted.
Barrow now became guilty of overplaying, which resulted in Copeland gathering the ball 70 metres out after a poor kick and punishing them with a jinking run to the line to score. The conversion made it 16-12.
The visitors raised their game once again, and after some great work from Todd Steele at half-back and Andy McKie at centre, Stephenson tore through the defence to score out wide.
Copeland did not give up and, coming into the final 10 minutes, were rewarded with another converted try.
But Barrow were not to be denied after a fine all-round team performance and finished off the game with Mossop showing his strength to power over the line. Stephenson again converted.
Barrow's defence had won the game against a bigger Copeland side, and they should be credited for their fitness, determination and heart after going down to 13 men after 10 minutes.
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