Workington Town beat Whitehaven in Ike Southward Memorial Trophy

Town and Haven clashed for the second time in as many weeks (the last outing seeing Whitehaven take the spoils in the 1895 Cup despite Town looking the best side for the majority of the game).

On that occasion Haven’s Championship stamina eventually told when close season signing Jake Maizen stole the show for the visitors with two interception tries.

Attention turned this week to the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy and with Town being without Jarrod Sammut after a suspension for a late hit in the Batley game.

Ike Southward played with great distinction for Workington and League One rivals Oldham and was sold and bought for two world record fees.

Town fans were also this week mourning the loss of life-long supporter Peter Burns, who sadly passed away on Friday.

Town went into the game with plenty to be optimistic about and lined up with Jordan Burns, David Eccleston, Chris Taylor, Ethan Bickerdike, Jonny Hutton, Ciaran Walker, Carl Forber, Jordan Thomson, Matty Henson, Mal Steele, Jack Stephenson, Jake Bradley and Tyler Walton. The Town interchanges were Blain Marwood, Sean Croston, Grant Reid and JJ Key.

Town were hit with a late injury change as Steele came into the 17 for Stevie Scholey.

Haven weren’t much better off as Callum Phillips, Jake Carter and Rio Corkhill were all sidelined for Jonty Gorley.

Town put boot to ball for the kick off to this one and were immediately on the back foot for giving away a penalty for a flop. Oscar Doran was able to out-jump Jonny Hutton for the game’s first points as a Doran kick was collected a metre or so offside that went unnoticed to the officials.

Town didn’t fare much better off a high kick as Eccleston and Burns miscommunicated to see Haven have possession 10 from the Town line. This was soon overturned when they knocked on.

The other Doran was then through as Jamie Doran danced through for some would-be defence on the left edge as Lachlan Hanneghan went 1-2 and Haven were 10-0 up in 11 minutes.

From the kick off Town put the ball out on the full as Haven looked to threaten again – they were in for a third try under the sticks as Town’s defence was woeful at best in the opening 14 minutes, with Haven 16-0 up.

Workington were awarded a penalty on 19 minutes as Haven were guilty of laying on, but a pass from Bickerdike was nowhere near good enough for the on-running Hutton.

Town were soon on the board thereafter as Chris Taylor burrowed over for 16-6 on 20 minutes.

Town were awarded a penalty on 25 minutes but failed to reach touch as Haven were back on the attack before a knock on 10 off the Town line.

Town were awarded a goal line drop out on 31 minutes and were then awarded a penalty after two six-agains. Town were over again on 34 minutes as Stephenson smashed through a gap, Walker going 2/2 for 12-16. This remained until half time to give Town hope.

The second half started with a brawl as Walker was poleaxed by Haven, resulting in Joey Romeo going off for 10 minutes. Town made it count instantly as Henson burrowed over from dummy half for 16-16, Walker then going 3-3 for a Town lead for the first time on 47 minutes.

On 55 minutes Town extended that lead as Jake Bradley took a line ball to score and Walker continued 100% with the boot, 24-16. Town then went back to back as former Haven duo Taylor and Eccleston crossed for 28-16. Walker missed the kick on 55 minutes.

Haven continued to capitulate as Edene Gebbie knocked on 25 off their line. On 62 minutes Dion Aiye went over after some great footwork. Hanneghan kicked it for 28-22.

Towards the hour Haven began to gain the ascendency again as the pendulum swung once more in the game. This was shown was Doran danced over from five metres to score 10 metres out for 28-26. Hanneghan slotted the extras over for 28-28 with 12 minutes to go.

Off the restart a horrid kick off by Burns gave Town possession 10 off the Haven line. They then had a penalty for a high tackle as Town aimed for the two points. This was successful off the bar on 71 minutes for 30-28.

As 74 minutes approached Town were under the pump as Eccleston forced Haven out into touch. On 78 Doran went to throw a spectacular ball out wide as Hutton intercepted and went 80 metres to swan dive under the posts for 36-28 to roars heard across West Cumbria.

Man of the match: Jack Stephenson.