Barrow Island 23 Blackbrook 14 BLACKBROOK travelled to Cumbria on Saturday still seeking their first ever National Conference league victory over Barrow Island at Rating Lane.

But the Islanders put their recent disappointments behind them and halted a run of four successive defeats with a 23-14 victory after leading 12-2 at the interval.

Playing down the pronounced slope from the start the homesters' experienced pack proved too big and strong for their younger counterparts - often breaking tackles with ease in midfield - with prop forward Ian Rawlinson and second row men Paul Dean and ex-professional Colin Wassell particularly impressive.

But after being reduced to 12 men early in the second half after having a player dismissed for an alleged tripping offence, and eventually trailing 22-2 on the hour, the depleted visitors battled on to the end, scoring two late converted tries, and were unfortunate not to have more to show for their gallant efforts.

Blackbrook started the game in an emphatic manner and grabbed the initiative early with a fifth minute penalty goal by full-back Paul Toole.

A problem once again for the visitors in the early exchanges was giving away too much possession. Island, however, were ruthless in response and as they grew in strength and confidence Ian Rawlinson and second row men Dean and Wassell led the assault on the visitors' line, and after several close calls former professional scrum-half Mike Charles eventually scrambled over near the corner. The conversion attempt failed.

Midway through the first half centre Paul Haythorn crossed out wide on the opposite flank and stand-off Craig McKinnon was spot on target with the angled conversion attempt to put the homesters 10-2 ahead.

Blackbrook then paid the price for several indiscretions and Craig McKinnon gratefully accepted the opportunities to push his side into a 16-2 lead with one penalty goal prior to the break and two more early in the second half. Then on the hour prop forward Ian Rawlinson powered his way through to score beneath the posts and with McKinnon adding the easy conversion, and 20-point advantage, the homesters looked set for a comfortable victory.

But they had reckoned without the battling qualities of this relatively young Blackbrook squad - still without several regulars.

Inspired by Jason Mitchell, Gareth Hill and props Colin Smith and Andy Tucker the Islanders had to withstand a late onslaught from the visitors to protect their advantage. Substitutes Phil Smith and Darren Mitchell - both of whom were making a welcome return to first team duty after long spells on the injured list, also caught the eye with solid work in defence and strong running in midfield. And Darren Mitchell eventually crossed the home line on 65 minutes and Paul Toole converted.

Six minutes later, Andy Holland crossed on the opposite flank and Paul Toole added a superb touchline conversion. In the closing stages Brook threatened to pull off a real upset as Jason Mitchell, Andy Tucker and Craig Pickavance all went close, but it was too little too late and Craig McKinnon rounded off the scoring with a 75th minute drop goal for the homesters.

Jason Mitchell received the Blackbrook man of the match and Construction Power Services accolade.

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