Roose Pioneers 12 Portico Panthers 16

PORTICO had to dig deep to record this hard-earned success in Cumbria.

Roose enjoyed most of the possession in the first half but solid defence kept them at bay and the only points of the half came close to the interval when the homesters landed a penalty goal.

The home side increased their advantage early in the second half with an unconverted try but Portico were quick to respond when Mike Hobin's shimmy and side-step split the Roose defence and he outpaced the full-back to score at the side of the posts. He added the conversion himself to tie the scores.

Portico's defence again came under tremendous pressure and although they managed to hold out for 15 minutes, Roose eventually regained the lead with a converted try.

Again though Portico bounced straight back and after regaining possession from the kick-off they drew level again when Paul Forber powered over at the side of the posts and Hobin added the goal.

The visitors now sensed victory and after going close, they grabbed the all-important try when player/coach Mark Lee scooted over from acting half-back to score in the corner.

Roose made one last-ditch attempt to snatch the spoils but Portico held firm to record a great win.

Man of the match went to Mike Hobin, closely followed by Chris Ashurst and Dave Ward.