Workington town 12, Cougars 33 - AFTER a shaky start to the season Cougars have rediscovered the form that saw them to promotion last season.

Despite losing a string of influential players coach Gary Moorby had moulded a rich blend of talent into a 'sporting machine' capable of taking on the best in the Arriva Cup -- and winning.

They completed a double over Workington with a stunning first half display, and finished by delivering a deadly coup de grace which killed any hopes of a Cumbrian come-back.

They continued where they had left off against Halifax the previous week, but saw the home side open the scoring when the luck of the bounce went their way. Jonathan Heaney's grubber kick bounced off Craig McDowell straight into the hands of Ricky Wright and he only had to stroll over the line. Heaney added the conversion to secure six points.

Earlier Matty Firth had applied pressure with a 40-20 kick, a tactic which seemed to have been forgotten with the retirement of Jason Ramshaw.

For a period Cougars struggled to maintain concentration, but Matt Foster sent them on the way to victory with a finely judged kick through which he followed up to touch down. Adam Mitchell landed the conversion from close to the touchline to put his side level.

David Foster may be the shortest player on the field, but he continues to grow in stature as a player. He has always shown fearsome ability in defence with textbook tackling, but this season his confidence in attack seems to be growing with every game.

He broke through the Workington defence and committed the full back before slipping the ball to give Simeon Hoyle a simple run-in for the first of his two tries.

Hoyle's second followed a classic break from Phil Stephenson. The prop surged through the Workington line and linked up with Mitchell who supplied the final pass. Mitchell added the easy conversion and completed the first half scoring with a penalty after taking an elbow in the tackle as his broke into the Town line.

Earlier Danny Ekis had a try disallowed for a double movement, but at 20-6 Cougars looked comfortably in control.

After the break Cougars surged straight into the attack again. Ekis slipped a kick through the defence and the Keighley side had a string of players queuing up to finish off the try. Skipper James Rushforth just got the touch with a try which looked certain to seal the game.

But Workington had other ideas and as Cougars relaxed they took advantage to his back. Bryan Hendry almost got to the try line before Graeme Lewthwaite surged under the posts.

The try lifted Town's spirits and Cougars were forced to defend for much of the half as they pounded forward, but the defensive line held firm.

Craig McDowell finally made the game safe with a blindside run to the line.

Lee Patterson completed the try scoring and Mitchell put the final seal on a scintillating performance with a drop goal.

Coach Gary Moorby was delighted witht he way his team dug deep to secure the win.

"We had to work hard for this one as we had anticipated. We scored six tries to their two but still had to roll our sleeves up to take the points. I was particulary pleased with the way we reacted to their second half fight back.

"They came out looking lively and we didn't help ourselves with some poor handling, however we weathered their storm and took control again to finish off with a well earned two points.

Simeon Hoyle produced another top class effort with several cutting runs down the middle of the park and two tries. He will be the first to admitt that his early season form has not been as good as it can be, we have discussed this and his response has been tremendous, his ability to break up their ruck defence is vital, if he goes well we will go well.

"I also felt Adam Mitchell had another solid game, he is looking more confident with every match creating for others, and taking on opponents himself."