Browse Sections

• Rochdale FC
• Rochdale Hornets
• Local football
• Local cricket

Workington 28 - 30 Hornets

1/ 4/2008

WORKINGTON pumped almost 3,000 gallons of water off the Derwent Park pitch on Sunday morning to get their match with Hornets on.

The liquid removed was almost replaced by the tears of the home fans as the visitors picked their hosts’ pocket to register a late win.

Workington led 28-18 with eight minutes to go and looked set to record their first league win of the season. But, once again, Hornets showed guts, determination and a never-say-die attitude.

With three minutes remaining, scrum-half Chris Forster intercepted on the halfway line and scampered in near the posts to level the scores. Carl Sneyd slotted over the conversion to secure the points.

It was a remarkable win under any circumstances, and with five frontline players missing, plus several laid low with chest infections, and some playing who were suffering from illness, it was even more memorable.

It was a triumph too for assistant Phil Farrell who stepped into the breach when Bobbie Goulding fell victim to influenza and couldn’t make the trip. Clearly, his know-how and motivational qualities stood the team in good stead.

Hornets withstood some early Workington pressure despite losing centre Mike Stout with what appeared to be an ankle injury suffered in their first set of the match.

In the ninth minute, livewire hooker Jimmy Elston broke and slipped the ball to John Cookson who powered over the line. Sneyd was successful with the kick.

The hosts reduced the arrears when Ryan Blair reacted first to Carl Forber’s kick to the right hand corner, diving in to score. Hornets conceded two penalties in close succession and paid the price when Jason Mossop touched down. Forber added the extras.

The visitors looked to have hit back when Elston sent Wayne Corcoran crashing over close to the posts, but referee Gareth Hewer decided he had been held up.

Workington then took advantage of some sloppy tackling in midfield and Martyn Wilson sliced through to score. Forber added the extras for a 16-6 lead.

Hornets responded but squandered two good try-scoring opportunities, Elston and Andy Gorey spilling the ball close to the line.

Workington were in benevolent mood in the early stages of the second half, and when Blair dropped the ball Sinfield scooped it up to send Ainscough in for a try. Sneyd tagged on the two.

The hosts’ generosity continued and Gorey intercepted a loose pass to sprint 60 yard for a try. Sneyd’s conversion gave his side a two-point lead.

Penalties were again Hornets’ Achilles’ heel, and the pressure they created saw hooker Shaun Lunt sneak in from close range to score. Forber made it a six-pointer and then stretched the home team’s lead with a 64th minute penalty.

It looked game, set and match when Stephen Dawes dived in at the right-hand corner. He appeared to knock over the corner flag in the act of scoring, but the try stood.

Hornets, though, took a deep breath and Andy Marsh finished off a slick passing move to score out wide. Sneyd, showing maturity beyond his 18 years, knocked over what proved to be a crucial touchline conversion to give the visitors hopes of victory.

Workington’s naivety, Forster’s late intervention and Sneyd’s conversion turned hope into reality and the fans who had travelled north celebrated. Match stats

HORNETS: Andrews, Brown, Sneyd, Stout, Gorey, Ainscough, Forster, Newton, Elston, Cookson, Farrimond, Sinfield, Corcoran. Subs (all used): Highton, Callan, Robinson, Marsh. Tries: Cookson (9), Ainscough (42), Gorey (47), Marsh (73), Forster (77). Goals: Sneyd 5.

WORKINGTON: Wilson, Blair, Routledge, Mossop, Dawes, R Lunt, Forber, Burgess, S Lunt, Beaumont, Marsh, Miller, Kmet. Subs (all used): Campbell, Tunstall, Coward, Lavulavu. Tries: Blair (14), Mossop (24), Wilson (33), S Lunt (54), Dawes (72). Goals: Forber 3. Penalties: Forber.

Referee: G Hewer Whitehaven
Penalties: 9-6
Half time: 16-6
Attendance: 677.