Rugby union: North Lancs Cumbria League

Last updated 15:55, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

ST BENEDICT’S put up a plucky display against play-off finalists Rossendale before losing 13-29 at Mirehouse.

But the Whitehaven side will finish bottom of the table whatever happens in Saturday’s game with Wigton.

There were a few positives to take out of their performance however, especially as they had senior players missing and the youngsters coming through performed well.

Veteran Ian McQuire said: “That is the positive we take from the season, the fact that we have had to blood so many young players. Ideally they should have had a season in the second team but have been pushed in at the deep end and done well.

“Number eight Stuart Wilson is only 18 but he was man-of-the-match and Kyle Hiddlestone at scrum-half caused them a lot of problems with his darting runs.

“Rossendale deserved their win and are a very good side and have reached the play-off final against Burnage.”

Saints had started well and, as a result of their early pressure, were awarded a penalty which Kurt Maudling converted.

But Rossendale showed their class by scoring three first-half tries to open-up a 19-3 lead.

But Saints started the second half with renewed vigour and when they were awarded a penalty a quick tap by Hiddlestone saw him find support from Wayne Laverick and he, in turn, put Graham Hartley over for an unconverted try.

Rossendale hit back immediately and scored an unconverted try to lead 24-8.

Still Saints weren’t finished and when Wilson burst through he had Richard Todd at his elbow to take the pass and cross for an unconverted try.

It rather spoiled things for the West Cumbrians when the visitors scored a converted try in the last minute.