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West scored 11 tries, with Carlisle adding two of their own, on a day of running, flowing rugby. West's back division looked as potent as it has for several seasons with Rob Thorn outstanding at centre and Gav Painter and Darren Thomas looking particularly threatening. Yes, Carlisle's defence was not the strongest but the running lines and passing were of an order not seen for much of last season or indeed so far in the current campaign. The forwards worked well in both the tight and loose and the only area in question would be some lacklustre defence in allowing two tries, perhaps excusable when leading by such a large margin.
It has been suggested that West have lacked a ruthlessness this season and that execution could have been much better at times. Today both these factors were addressed and the team showed that they do possess the ability to finish off scoring opportunities and really “put teams away”.
Carlisle found themselves two tries down without having really touched the ball - Darren Thomas opening the scoring after just a minute and Rob Thorn getting the first of a hat-trick with only 5 minutes on the clock. The first try was the culmination of a good kick through by Thomas which bounced kindly and some good recycling which saw the winger pop up to finish the score himself. Thorn's powerful running was a constant danger to the Cumbrians but his first try was a simple run in after searing breaks from Jonny Boatman and skipper Anth Carr.
The tries didn't stop there, Gav Painter got his first on 12 minutes with Thorn involved again, coming on a good crash ball to hold the defence before the ball was moved wide for Painter to finish, and Greg Edwards going in two minutes later after Thorn had kicked through well.
Paul Moss had converted the first three scores, missing narrowly with his fourth attempt.
The visitors got a try back, having hardly been in the game, on 17 minutes when danger man, number-eight Joe Graham powered over from short range. Glen Weightman added the conversion and a penalty 3 minutes later.
Carlisle's 10 points were a brief blow to West but when Thorn powered over for his second score after a huge rolling maul set up a great attacking position, the healthy lead was restored at 33-10. Weightman added a penalty before Paul Williamson scored the fifth try on the stroke of half time, making a nice individual break to go over in the corner.
With the second half under way Carlisle made an interesting decision to kick two goals when trailing by 25 points. Weightman, clearly an excellent kicker, made them both but the visitors should maybe have pressed for more points, given they had scored one try from their only visit to the 22 in the first period.
The pick of the tries came on 51 minutes with a beautifully executed backs move (yes you read it right) set up Thomas' second score which he finished superbly. The encouragement was to see players running on to the ball, passes arriving in the right places and dummy runners holding the defence in a way West fans have not seen for some time.
Thorn completed a deserved hat-trick two minutes later in spectacular style, breaking from his own 22 before feeding Thomas who ran most of the length of the field before flicking the ball back inside to the former Sandal man to finish off the score. He was then replaced by Davy Tighe but it was a wonderful home debut and will certainly give the coaches a selection dilemma at the centre position.
In attack there was no question of taking the foot of the pedal and Andrew Hare added his name to the scoresheet on 61 minutes but in defence there was an element of lost concentration. Benjamin Blain got a try for Carlisle after a rolling maul had taken them up to the line and the scrum-half was able to dive over underneath the posts.
West were not to be outdone though and added two further tries – Painter got his second following more good back play and another searing break from Jon Boatman, who was once again outstanding around the park and from the base of the scrum. Tom Dixon completed the scoring two minutes from time, emerging from the bottom of a rolling maul and ensuring the forwards had a list one name on the try scorers list.
It was a thoroughly entertaining and professionally executed win for West and they have completed this first batch of league fixtures, against some formidable opposition, without dropping a point. Going into the cup game next week against Lymm they can take great encouragement forward and they must have at least half an eye on the visit of Aspatria on the 27th October which promises to be a huge game.
West: Painter, Hare, Edwards, Thorn (Tighe), Thomas, Moss, Williamson, Carr, A Dixon, Robinson (Cholmondeley), T Dixon, Davies, Garside, D Boatman (Miller), J Boatman
Tries: Thomas 2, Thorn 3, Painter 2, Edwards, Williamson, Hare, T Dixon
Cons: Moss 6
Carlisle: McDonnell, Barker, Helies, Nichols, Henderson, Weightman, Blain, Stamper, Kidd, Marshall, Grealish, Ryan, Allan, Jewitt, J Graham
Reps: Burnett, Bernie, G Graham
Tries: J Graham, Blain
Cons: Weightman 2
Pens: Weightman 4
Referee: John Meredith [Durham Society]
Related Links:
Carlisle Preview
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Author: Stan the Camel
Date: 07-10-07 17:08
Thanks for the excellent report, El Pedro.
A shocking day for the Points West faithful - why couldn't the boys just follow WPA's advice and be consistent!
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Author: west girl
Date: 07-10-07 17:35
The Gateman was very upset - even started shouting for the Cumbrians at one point - good job we know him! :oD:oD:oD
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Author: West Park Allotment
Date: 08-10-07 09:44
Much better show from the backs in terms of running lines and handling. Congratulations to Thorne for his hat trick and to Painter who had a tremendous game.
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Author: Supercodhead
Date: 08-10-07 12:11
reality check>>it wasnt their second team that cried off on Sat>>they came and played your firsts by the sound of it>>>>
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Author: scrum half
Date: 08-10-07 20:01
Good to have a reality check
Played 5 won 5
Played teams 3rd,4th,5th,6th in league and scored 67 points against a lower team.
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Author: Supercodhead
Date: 09-10-07 12:11
no question you've had a a good start just don't get too carried away by beating a club with half a team missing>>>whats our incentive for putting Aspatria through the mill this Saturday and doing you a favour>>>or shall we send the Heughers???>>>>
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Author: Supercodhead
Date: 09-10-07 12:25
didnt say we hadnt>>we're not consistent at the moment and we're the first to admit it>>just pointing out that ytou had a very easy ride last Saturday so dont carried away because i reckon you'll lose the next two league games>>
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Author: PC Pooper Scooper
Date: 09-10-07 12:45
SKH ... but you are consistent at the moment ... consistently BAD that is! :oD:oD:oD:oD:oD:oD
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Author: Supercodhead
Date: 10-10-07 12:17
laughing madly at your own feeble comments are an early sign of lunacy or an indication of immaturity>>>which is it sunshine?>>>
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NEXT FIXTURE
Rochdale
VENUE
Friendly - Away kick off 3.00
DATE
Saturday August 30th
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