League cup glory

Aspatria Hornets U14s managed to see off a ferocious challenge from Wath Brow in a hard-fought League Cup final at a sun drenched Maryport.

The game was in a knife edge for most of the afternoon with Aspatria only sealing the win in the last few moments of the game.

Aspatria struck first after a Wath Brow attacking kick was spilled and Aspatria centre, George Woodcock pounced first to streak away from his own try line to score a scintillating try which he converted himself. Brow then roared back and after a prolonged period of pressure equalised the scored with a converted try. The scores were locked up at 6-6 at the break.

The second half continued in a similar vein with both packs battling for dominance down the middle. Some resolute Brow defence meant that Aspatria could not get the final pass away or capitalise on some half breaks.

Aspatria regained the lead when centre, Ben Notman scored in the corner and Woodcock slotted over a marvellous touchline conversion. However, the lead was short lived as Brow struck back again with a well-worked try in the right-side corner. The kick was unsuccessful and Aspatria retained a slender 12-10 lead.

The final quarter saw Wath Brow pile on the pressure but Aspatria clung on and some desperate defence repelled repeated attacks. Aspatria managed to give themselves some breathing space with Notman scoring his second of the afternoon after a superb run and offload from William Beverley. Again, Woodcock successfully converted another difficult kick to take the score to 18-10.

Brow had time for one last attack, and they threw everything at the Aspatria line, but time was against them and referee, Mr Byers, blew for full time much to the relief of the large contingent of Aspatria fans.

A huge thank you to Maryport for hosting the final and to Wath Brow and their coaching team for a superb game.

Aspatria have their final home game of the season this coming Sunday as they welcome Wath Brow 13s to Beacon Hill in the semi-final of the Top 4 play-off.

All support, as ever, is warmly welcomed.