Workington 37, Swinton 20

FORMER Swinton star Colin Armstrong played a large part in the downfall of Mike Gregory's team at Derwent Park on Sunday.

Workington have won five out of their last six games and their performance was built on the foundations laid by their forwards.

Michael Dempsey was first to cross the Swinton line after eight minutes closely followed by Matthew Woodcock to give Workington an early advantage.

Swinton were having to scramble a lot in defence. Gartland got a penalty goal but it was their only score of an opening half which also saw John Allen cross for Town. Dempsey had one goal and substitute Craig Fisher a drop goal.

Town's 15-2 half-time advantage may have given them the feeling that they had already done enough.

But Swinton weren't about to lie down. Marlon Billy raced three quarters of the field after intercepting a stray pass. Despite being tackled just short, Gartland and Ian Watson managed to maintain the momentum to allow Paul Smith to cross for the Lions first try.

Swinton were having a purple patch and in the the 64th and 66th minutes Gartland and Sean Casey both touched down, Gartland adding three conversions to bring up the Lions 20 points.

However, Town full back Craig Stalker managed to maintain his side's advantage by crossing for a second half double.

The Lions had reduced the arrears to 27-20 and Workington were rocking.

Allen crossed for his second try eight minutes from time to kill off the Swinton fightback before former Bradford Bulls forward Simon Knox crossed with a minute of the match remaining.

Swinton will be disappointed with this defeat but their second half showing certainly gave Workington a fright.

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