West Rugby round-up

May 10 2009 Sunday Sun

CUMBRIA lost their opening County Championship game at Workington 25-22 to North Midlands.

Just when it seemed as though as new coach Richard Metcalf was going to start with a win North Midlands were gifted a try in the fifth minute of injury time.

A loose drop out by Stephen Wood went astray and winger Greg Summers picked up to drive over in the corner.

Cumbria had a strong wind behind them in the first half but trailed at half time 14-7.

The visitors took the lead after 15 minutes where number eight Owen Jones fed centre James Curvengen who went in for the try, which Richard Vasey converted.

Cumbria came back well and drew level on 27 minutes when good handling along the line ended with centre Chris Harris forcing his way over. Wood converted.

But on 33 minutes North Midlands regained the lead after strong pressure under the posts ended with lock Ben Griffiths touching down.

Vasey converted.

Four minutes after the restart, Wood kicked a penalty for the Cumbrians.

On 52 minutes Wood went in from a quickly taken tap penalty and he also added the conversion.

Two penalties from Vasey gave North Midlands the advantage again but on 63 minutes Tynedale hooker Joe Graham got over for an unconverted try to put Cumbria back in the lead.

When Vasey was short with an injury time penalty it looked as though Cumbria had done enough but the unfortunate drop out proved costly as Summers cashed in.