Report: Town vs Haven

The Cumbrian derby closed out out season on Sunday at home..

Workington Town brought the regular Championship season to a close on Sunday afternoon as Whitehaven claimed the derby spoils with a 29-20 victory at the Fibrus Community Stadium.

A crowd of 1,811 packed into the stadium for the latest chapter of West Cumbria's fiercest rivalry, with both sets of supporters creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout the afternoon.

While the result did not go Town's way, there were late signs of character from the home side as they refused to surrender, scoring twice in the closing stages to give the supporters something to cheer.

TOWN START BRIGHTLY

The opening exchanges were exactly what you'd expect from a Cumbrian derby, with both sides throwing themselves into the contest and neither willing to give an inch.

Town eventually broke the deadlock after 14 minutes following a Whitehaven error. The home side immediately capitalised on the possession and moved the ball through the hands before Harrison Jewitt finished out wide.

The conversion was unsuccessful, leaving Town with a 4-0 advantage.

Whitehaven gradually began to build pressure, particularly through their kicking game, but Town's defensive effort initially stood firm.

When a high ball caused problems, Jack Stephenson and Tanna Featherstone showed brilliant scrambling defence to prevent Haven from turning the opportunity into points.

However, after a sustained period of pressure and repeated drop-outs, Whitehaven finally found a way through on the half-hour mark as Jack Kellett stepped through to score.

Ciaran Walker converted to put the visitors ahead.

The momentum then swung firmly towards Haven as Holgate found a gap close to the Town line before another error handed the visitors further possession.

Mitchell Todd crossed shortly afterwards, before a field goal from Jay Weatherill on the stroke of half-time left Town trailing 17-4 at the interval.

HAVEN EXTEND THEIR LEAD

Whitehaven struck again early in the second half when Jordan Burns gathered a cross-field kick and finished the move, with Walker adding the extras.

Town continued to battle and began to create opportunities of their own.

After forcing a drop-out, the hosts eventually got their reward when Jamie Doran's kick towards the corner created the opening for Jewitt to grab his second try of the afternoon.

Carter's conversion attempt struck the post, leaving the score at 23-8.

Town continued to ask questions of the Haven defence, with Mason Lewthwaite and others working tirelessly to get the home side back into the contest.

Whitehaven, however, were able to withstand the pressure and eventually extended their advantage through Ethan Bickerdike, Walker converting to make it 29-8.

TOWN FINISH WITH A FLOURISH

With the game entering its final stages, Town showed exactly the sort of fight that has characterised so much of their season.

With just four minutes remaining, Jake Carter chased through a kick and managed to get the ball down for Town's third try.

This time Carter made no mistake from the tee, bringing the score back to 29-14.

There was still more to come.

Jaiden Tallantire produced a superb break through the Haven defensive line, racing 40 metres before finding Mason Lewthwaite, who finished the move.

Carter added the conversion to make it 29-20.

Town pushed for one final opportunity and thought they had another chance to strike, only to lose possession in contact as Haven managed to see out the remaining seconds.

THANK YOU, TOWN FANS

Sunday was about far more than the result.

It was a special occasion for Workington Town as we said farewell to several players who have given so much to the club, including club captain Stevie Scholey and long-serving Callum Phillips, who both brought their playing careers to a close.

We also extend our best wishes and thanks to Whitehaven's Marc Shackley, who is also brining his career to an end this season.

To everyone who packed into the Fibrus Community Stadium, thank you.

The attendance of 1,811 once again showed the passion that exists for rugby league in West Cumbria.

A huge thank you goes to the Town supporters for your backing throughout the afternoon and across the season, and equally to the Whitehaven supporters who travelled and helped create the atmosphere that makes this fixture so special.

The regular season may now be over, but the work continues for Workington Town as we look ahead to the next chapter for our club.

Thank you for your support.

Up The Town.