4 hrs

Workington Town Ladies are Championship Bound!

Our ladies have won the play-off final and will be promoted as League One Champions!

Workington Town Ladies have secured promotion to the Women’s National Championship after a magnificent 24-12 victory over Wakefield Trinity in Sunday’s Northern League One Grand Final!

In front of a huge travelling army of Town supporters at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, the Ladies produced when it mattered most, overcoming the regular-season champions to cap an outstanding campaign with one of the biggest achievements in the club’s recent history.

The promotion marks Workington Town Ladies’ second promotion in just three seasons, continuing a remarkable rise through the women’s rugby league structure. The RFL confirmed ahead of the final that both sides had been among the standout teams in Northern League One throughout 2026, with Town losing just two league fixtures.

And now, Town are a Championship club.

A FINAL FIT FOR THE OCCASION

There was an unmistakable feeling before kick-off that this was going to be something special.

More than 150 Town supporters made the journey south, with coaches packed with the Town Army and plenty more supporters travelling independently. From the moment the teams emerged, the away end was alive with blue and white, flags, scarves, songs and drums creating an atmosphere that made the long journey worthwhile.

Wakefield may have been the home side but the Ladies certainly didn't look short of home support, and on the field they produced the performance to match it.

TOWN RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

Wakefield struck first, taking an early 4-0 lead after finding space out wide. But there was no panic from Town. Instead, the Ladies settled into the contest and began to impose themselves. Josie Scrimgour provided the response, powering her way over to bring Town level before Leonie Bragg added the conversion to put Town in front.

The momentum continued to swing in Town's direction, and another excellent attacking move created the opportunity for Keeley Chatters to finish under the posts. Bragg converted again and suddenly Town had opened up a 12-4 advantage.

Wakefield responded before the interval with a second try, but Town's defence held firm through the remainder of the half to take an 12-8 lead into the break. The players were given a huge reception as they headed for the changing rooms, with the travelling supporters making their appreciation known.

THE SECOND HALF BELONGED TO TOWN

The opening stages of the second half were tense, both teams knew exactly what was at stake and neither was willing to give anything away cheaply. Then came the moment Town had been waiting for when Georgia Naylor found her way over the line to extend the advantage, with Bragg converting to make it 18-8.

Wakefield were still fighting, but Town's defensive effort was outstanding. Every tackle mattered. Every carry mattered. Every metre mattered.

With the clock ticking towards the final stages, the Championship was beginning to come into view. Then, with just minutes remaining, Lexi Hodgson produced a moment that will live long in the memory when she broke into open space, Hodgson raced almost the length of the field before finishing under the posts.

The Town Army erupted and Bragg added the extras.

24-8.

Town were within touching distance. Wakefield managed a late consolation try, but there was to be no comeback. When the final whistle arrived, the celebrations began.

Workington Town Ladies had done it.

24-12. PROMOTION TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE BEHIND THE LADIES

An achievement like this belongs to everyone who has played a part.

A huge thank you to Head Coach Gareth Nicholson, his coaching team, medical and support staff, volunteers, team management and everyone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes throughout the season.

From training nights to matchdays, travelling across the country, preparing the players and making sure everything happens away from the spotlight, this promotion belongs to all of you too.

A special thank you must also go to everyone who has supported the Ladies throughout the campaign. The players have seen the support grow throughout the season, and on Sunday they were shown just how much this team means to the Town Army.

THE TOWN ARMY SHOWED UP!

The supporters deserve enormous credit with the coaches organised, the fundraising being done, the flags packed and then the Town Army travelled.

More than 150 supporters made the journey to Wakefield, turning the final into a sea of blue and white and backing the team from the warm-up right through to the final whistle.

The support didn't stop for 80 minutes and when the final whistle sounded, those same supporters were there to celebrate with the players.

To everyone who travelled, everyone who followed the game from home, everyone who has attended matches throughout the season, and everyone who has backed this team in any way:

THANK YOU.

CHAIRMAN GRAEME PEERS: “WHAT AN EXCITING PROSPECT”

Workington Town Chairman Graeme Peers was full of praise for everyone involved in delivering what he described as a remarkable achievement.

“It's been a season of such promise and it all came down to one extremely tough game. To travel to Wakefield Trinity, a club with huge resources and unbeaten in the League, and win is a testament to the magnitude of this achievement.

“The team has an average age of 21 and have been extremely well coached and managed by Gareth, Joe and Janette. They have overcome the challenges of the wider project at Workington Town and got the job done.

“We're proud of them and next year we'll be up against some huge clubs and what an exciting prospect that is. It was great to see the smiles on the Town fans' faces after a tough season for the men's team. They deserved their day out in the sun.”

Graeme also highlighted the importance of everyone who has supported the Ladies' journey, from sponsors and volunteers to those who helped establish the team in the first place.

“Well done everyone and thank you to our main sponsors Fibrus, who believed in the vision from the outset, and all the other sponsors who supported the journey.

“Where the team has come from in four years is remarkable and we must thank those who had the vision to set it up and get it going. It once again shows the talent that is in Cumbria. It just needs the platform to be able to be showcased, and we're very proud that we have provided that as a club.”

CHAMPIONSHIP, HERE WE COME

Three years ago, this group began its journey and now they're heading to the Women's National Championship. What an achievement, what a season, what a team and what a way to finish it.