The visitors seemed to have brought the remnants of Storm Eowyn down the M6 with them as the weather for the game was atrocious, gale force winds accompanied by torrential downpours throughout the afternoon.

RN Coach Darren Bamford once again had to rejig his side due to injuries and of course service requirements but his squad on the day did him proud battling against an uncompromising Workington Town side determined to secure a home tie against Leigh Leopards in round 3. The Brothers did their best to stem the tide of ‘Town’ attacks with some heroic defence and threatened to get a score themselves but the visitors defence were up to the task. Workington scored 30 points in the first half with their final try of the half probably the most significant. RNRL had built some good pressure on the visitors line forcing a couple of knock-ons and were pressing for a score out on the right however a spilt ball in the attack gifted the ball back to Workington. Turning defence into attack the ball went out to Jonathan Hutton who won the 60m foot race to the line, touching down close to the posts giving stand-off Walker a straight forward conversion. The last action of the half gave the RN some hope, Loose forward Jack Ray made a great break into the Workington 20 but the ensuing tackle halted further progress, Ref Josh Pemberton blowing time on the first 40.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, a lot of hard work in defence prevented the Brothers being totally overwhelmed by the League One side however Workington did post another 26 points with their defence proving too strong for the RNRL offense, preventing the home side getting a consolation score. So, at full time Workington ran out 0-56 winners ending the Brothers progress in this years revamped Challenge Cup.

RN Coach Bamford praised his players at full time “so proud of the lads today, showed a lot of heart and commitment to not drop their heads and keep going. Exactly what we want to see from the lads”

A massive effort by all concerned in appalling conditions obviously the 34 players involved as well as the officials, pitch side staff, photographers and of course the team from BFBS who streamed the match on YouTube once again. Last but not least the hardy bunch of spectators, especially those who had travelled down from Cumbria, who braved the elements to support Rugby League on the south coast!

The Brothers: -
Danny Dainty, Harry Vorweg, Ben Conner, Joey Sugden, Kini Dakuliga, Luke Baird, Jack Bartlett, Elliott Richardson, Rhys Joel, David Brown, Brodie Butler(C), Eden Quantock, Jack Ray, Regan Hargreaves, Jonny Stoppard, Robbie Hawkshaw, Charlie Newcombe, (Oli Bale 18th)

Royal Navy Rugby League

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