Last updated 13:58, Sunday, 18 May 2008

NETHERHALL had to settle for runners-up spot again when they tackled Millom on Wednesday night in the final of the Cumbria Plate at Egremont.

After finishing second to Keswick in the Cumbria League, Netherhall hoped they could have some silverware to show for a promising season from their largely young squad.

But it was Millom who came out on top 13-11 to add the Plate to the Furness and Westmorland County Cup which they won on Saturday.

The south Cumbrians had the better of things for a fair proportion of the game with their backs - particularly centre Ricky Kershaw and winger Peter Moore - looking dangerous whenever they got the ball.

Netherhall tried to take on Millom up front and caused a few problems but their opponents defended well when they had to and were more than capable when they got possession themselves.

Millom, in fact, started brightly and were 8-0 ahead inside 10 minutes from a penalty and unconverted try. They were quicker in most areas of the field than Netherhall and should have had more points.

When Netherhall came in on the wrong side at a ruck Ashley Lamont slotted the first penalty of the game.

Then the Netherhall defence was carved open by a strong, diagonal run from Kershaw which ended with him scoring in the corner.

Netherhall had a good spell just before half-time and they moved the ball nicely with Carl Bell setting up Andy Southwell to go for a try which wasn’t unconverted.

Millom started well in the second half and after sustained pressure they scored a second try through Kershaw.

Gradually Netherhall came back into the game and the introduction of Norman Reilly as a replacement forward seemed to instil some purpose into their forward play, with Ben Brinicombe becoming livelier and looking more like himself.

Millom started to transgress and David Atkinson punished them twice, the second 12 minutes from time to cut the deficit to just two points.

The final stages were fought out between the respective 22’s with defences on top and a hard-fought, but clean game ended in Millom’s favour.