Keswick 22 Cockermouth 20

A good crowd gathered to watch Keswick take on Cockermouth at Davidson Park last Saturday. This followed Cockermouth's unexpected win over Aspatria in the previous match so a hard game was anticipated by all. This is the way it turned out.

Cockermouth started as the most lively team and dominated the early exchanges. Keswick conceded numerous penalties at the breakdown and within 10 minutes of the start Cockermouth led 0-6 having converted 2 penalty chances. The game dynamic started to change as the game moved in to the second quarter. Keswick started to exert forward dominance in the scrums and close rucks with Will Addyman on first team debut making a real impact alongside Carrick Wharmby, Mike Tait and Joe Quail. Following a penalty kick to the corner, Joe Quail emerged from the bottom of the driving lineout to score Keswick's first try converted by Brian Storey.

Both sides were defending well but Keswick gained the upperhand in the forwards and just before half time Oli Macpherson scored an excellent individual try in the corner. Half time score 12-6 to Keswick. Not long after the restart MacPherson was involved again, this time putting Ryan Weir in space who scorched over the line to take the score 17-6. Around 20 minutes in to the second half Andy Muir caught the home defence napping with a quick tap penalty and another score in the corner to go to 22-6 and earn the 4 try bonus point.

The home supporters were very confident at this stage of a home victory but Cockermouth then staged a comeback with the Keswick side going to sleep and the Cockermouth team putting on a grandstand finish. Two converted tries were scored by stand off Edward Gate who ran the length of the pitch with Keswick defenders grasping thin air and a cheeky score from Harry Bibby who dispossessed a Keswick forward 5 metres from the line and went in under the posts.

With 7 minutes to go Keswick regained composure to see out the game, claim victory and calm the nerves of the home support 22-20. The game overall was played in a great spirit and was enjoyed by an appreciative crowd seeing good Cumbrian Rugby. Keswick remain the only unbeaten side in Cumbria Division 1 and face Hawcoat Park at home this Saturday kick off 3pm.

Keswick 2, after having the disappointment of a cancelled game on Saturday when Leigh 2 could not raise a team,travel to Southport for what looks like a very tough fixture