BARROW Island landed the first silverware of the Barrow and District League season, with a 26-22 win over Walney Central in the Frank Reid Cup final, writes JEFF COWARD.

Island overcame an early 10-point deficit to lift the trophy in front of a 150-plus crowd at Craven Park.

Walney started like a house on fire, going 10-0 up in seven minutes through tries from Josh McBain and Marty McKee, plus a Dave Nicholson conversion.

It looked as though it was going to be a cricket score, as the big Walney side put Island to the sword, but their young opponents stuck to their task for the full 80 minutes.

Island wingman Luke Thompson set them up for a response as he put in a strong run. The ball was moved across to full-back Jake Stockdale, who cut inside and sidestepped his way to the line. James Howden converted for 10-6.

Walney hit back as McBain made good yards and centre Tyler Lancaster cut inside to score. Nicholson converted.

Reece Craig and man-of-the-match Harri Brown combined to put Island on the attack and a high kick was knocked on by Cents five yards out. From the resultant scrum, a neat inside ball allowed Craig to dive over to score. Howden added the extras for 16-12.

As half-time approached, Island drew level as swift handling allowed Lancaster to score out wide.

The second half started with Walney pressure, Nicholson slotting over a penalty after an offside call.

Cents added pressure and the forwards took play deep in opposition territory, where Nicholson took the ball at pace to go crashing over and establish a 22-16 advantage.

When Walney lost the ball, Island were quick to move up field. Hooker Craig was held short, but swift passing put Thompson in at the corner.

More Island pressure saw Walney having to tackle like demons, but James Howden made a telling break and full-back Stockdale carried play on. The ball was moved across to Brown, who found a gap to go over. Howden converted to give them the lead for the first and most important time.

There is one game in the Barrow and District League tonight, as high-flying Dalton travel to Hindpool.

A Dalton win would put them joint-top with Askam and Barrow Island on eight points, but Hindpool will be looking for a win to move them away from the the bottom of the table.

Hindpool were just edged out 22-18 by bottom side Ulverston last week. A game that could have gone either way was played at a fast pace.

Dale Sneesby (2) and Chris Tyson scored for Hindpool, with Jamie McIlroy kicking three goals. Ulverston’s Joe Ward led the way with two tries, while Danny Armistead, Che Smith and Glen Athersmith also crossed the whitewash. Matty Kaye added one goal.

Dalton kept up their winning ways in a high-scoring game at Redwaters, defeating Roose Pioneers 37-35.

Roose led 13-10 at the break, but Dalton stuck to their task. Ryan Baines (3), Joe Crarey (2), Tom Sharp and Tyler Batty were their try-scorers, with Crarey kicking four conversions and Baines landing a drop-goal

Corne Els (2), Jordan Ashton (2), Adam Batty and Danny Tyson crossed for the Pioneers. Adam Batty kicked six conversions and Steve Perry dropped a goal.

Walney had a great 28-18 win over Askam at Fallowfield Park. Cents fielded an experienced side, with the forwards laying the foundation for victory against a young Villagers outfit.

Nicholson (2), Mike Whitehead, Ben Caddell and Matt McKee crossed for Walney, while George Nicholls landed four goals. Luke McIntee, Owen Wilkinson and Dale Lamptom, were the Askam try-scorers. Brad Jackson kicked three goals.

Walney Cents are the only first team in action tomorrow as they head to Hensingham to face the Cumbria League leaders.