The rearranged game was played on the day that both clubs had players away watching England at Twickenham - West without five of the starting XV which could have beaten league leaders Percy Park last week.

As a result, Matt Siddle had to play on the wing with Ben Reed and Matty Baggs forming a new half-back partnership and without a back among the replacements.

What they did have on the bench was powerful 23 year-old forward Nick Bennions (left) playing only his sixth game of rugby since leaving school. In two of those games for West Stags he was awarded Man of the Match, and came on at Strawberry How with five minutes left to make an immediate impact. With West only four points ahead they needed a score and Bennions, playing at No.8, collected from close range and powered his way to the line where he looked to have touched down before being dragged back..

 However, his effort had sucked in the defenders and providing space out on the left where leading try scorer Lewis Scott, playing in the centre, was able to dive over. The conversion was a tricky one,  but Siddle’s kick was true to give his side an 11-point lead, which finally ended Cockermouth’s brave resistance.

Until then it had been a battle of the forwards.  West’s attempts to release their speedy young backs thwarted by the pitch plus some committed tackling for a home team eager to record their first win of the season. Cockermouth started well, but as West’s scrum became more and more dominant the pressure told in the first half with a series of penalties. Second row Ollie Webster surprisingly stepping up to take a penalty kick from 35 metres out (left). His first attempt in league rugby and was only just wide.

However, the next penalty was in front of the posts with Siddle scoring to get the scoreboard moving. Ten minutes later he took the score to 6-0, shortly after sending a drop goal attempt wide. West hooker Aidan Jackson-Smith (above) was in top form, and when he was high tackled on another of his surges through the home defence Siddle was able to convert from 30 metres.

The scrum continued to be West’s best weapon and, when they pushed Cockermouth off their own ball just before the break, referee Rebecca Rees awarded a penalty. Isaac Robinson was alert -  picking up the loose ball to take a quick tap to send scrum half Matty Baggs in the corner for his first league try (right). The conversion was missed,  but the 11-0 score allowed West supporters to relax and hope for more tries in the second half.

Cockermouth had other ideas and, despite losing centre Ben Irving to the sin--bin for a dangerous tackle on Baggs, they were able to contain West attacks. Centre Willl Hilditch, winger Jacob Wood and full back Sam Knight all ran the ball at every opportunity only to be thwarted by the combination of the heavy pitch and determined defence.

It looked like West might regret not being able to turn pressure into more points when Cockermouth got a deserved try with less than ten minutes to go. Full back Jon Crichton coming into the line as his side built-up pressure in the West 22.

The conversion reduced West’s lead to just four points. Cockermouth had more than a sniff of their first victory until West calmly made progress up the right to set up that effort from Bennions and the smart finish from Scott.

Kathryn Loves Taking Photos at Cockermouth

With five games to go there is still pressure at the bottom with West one of six clubs needing points to ensure they don’t join Cockermouth in level 7 next season. Both Keswick and Upper Eden are eight points behind West and jointly occupying the second relegation spot. Cockermouth host Upper Eden next week and the Brinkburn side will be hoping that’s the day they deservedly break their duck.

Back at Brinkburn the Stags put in a very creditable performance - going down 36-19 to a Darlington side bolstered by the first team not having a game and with several Fijians and a certain Rob Thorn in their ranks.

Cockermouth: Jon Crichton, Dan Henderson, Logan Scales, Ben Irving, Ethan Cross, Ed Gate, Ollie Swain, James Robson, Ian McDowell, Tom Peet (capt) , Jon Astley, Anthony Davies, Ryan Hetherington, Alex Butterfield, Max Walker.

Reps (all used); Oliver Gray, Grant Law, Lewis Bancroft.

Tries: Crichton.

Con. Crichton.

Yellow: Irving.

West: Sam Knight, Jacob Wood, Lewis Scott, Will Hilditch, Matt Siddle, Ben Reed, Matty Baggs, Jack Angus, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Adam Hutchinson, Ollie Webster, Connor Mclurg, Charlie Kay, Chris Atkins (capt).

Reps (all used). Louis Adamson, Will Corbett, Nick Bennions.

Tries: Baggs, Scott.

Con. Siddle.

Pens:: Siddle (2).

Referee: Rebecca Rees (Northumberland),