There was a time in the not too distant past when the biggest threat to winter games was frost and snow. More recently it is the wet and stormy weather and in truth we have not really got the hang of match management here. Storm Darragh did not stop the match going ahead, but it did prevent it finishing as the wet and cold and biting wind, ultimately won the day, as both teams decided enough was enough after 68 minutes. Credit to both sides and the officials for putting on an enthralling display in horrendous conditions.

For all the weather difficulties the journey over and back was thankfully uneventful. And we arrived to a pitch in outstanding condition despite the conditions. Yes it was definitely slippery underfoot, but the ground was firm and grass was green. West have a most impressive new facility and their hospitality was first rate, helped by a gathering of former players who perhaps wisely viewed most of the proceedings from the comfort of the clubhouse!

The conditions to play in were brutal. The howling gale was blowing pretty much straight down the pitch and West choose to play against the elements in the first half. Carlisle kicked off and had some early pressure, but the West defence held firm and by retaining possession well in the tight, worked their way into the visitors half. This was a feature of the game for both sides; it was a day for up the jumper and minimising the mistakes! A couple of penalties saw West in the Carlisle 22, and close forward play saw them squeeze over close to the sticks for the first score from centre Conor McLurg; close enough for the conversion to go over despite the wind. The rest of the half saw Carlisle press hard for a score, but struggling to cope with the elements. A couple of times they had a chance to drive over but the last pass went astray, and the chance literally slipped away. A long range penalty reduced the arrears to 7-3, but a second effort fell short and half time arrived without any further score.

The game was effectively settled in the first 10 minutes of the second half. A box kick from the back of a ruck was chased down, hacked on and West winger Max Painter won the touchdown race. A West break saw them back in the Carlisle 22 where they encamped and managed to retain possession for flanker Robinson to burrow over. And then a fourth try came following a break from full back Siddle, chip and chase which he was prevented from scoring illegally and a penalty try awarded.

The game looked out of reach for Carlisle even though they had fought hard throughout. Heads could have dropped as the conditions were worsening, but magnificently they did not and our lads lifted their game. Controlled by Jason Israel marshalling brilliantly, they set up a series of drives and at one point even managed a sweeping backs move into the biting gale. A chip, a chase and full back Jake Whittaker was unlucky not to score, knocking on as he chased down in the dead ball area. Carlisle continued to press and finally got the try their effort deserved, after series of forward drives saw Josh Holmes burrow over and Robbie James added a conversion.

Carlisle continued to press, made one last huge effort and were once more in the hosts 22. But West defended resolutely and eventually won a penalty to clear their lines. By this point the weather had further worsened and both sets of players were cold and exhausted. The referee agreed with both skippers that continuing further was pointless and the game was abandoned. As we had passed the 60 minute mark the result will stand and the match does not need to be replayed.

A magnificent effort from both sets of players and played in a great spirit and appreciation of each others efforts. The officials from both sides could not have been prouder! We look forward to more clement weather next week, and for Carlisle a vital trip to Kirkby Lonsdale where a victory is crucial if we are not to be drawn into a potentially tricky battle at wrong end of the table. Today’s effort will need to be maintained to ensure that does not happen.

Reporter Phil Healey