Moresby 22, Windermere 32

THIS appears a comfortable win but in fact the game was much closer than the score suggests.

An interception which brought a try in the closing minutes enable Windermere to stretch away but hardly did justice to the efforts of the Moresby side.

To underline the point, Moresby had been lying 15-3 ahead at half-time after making good use of the blustery wind to win attacking positions.

Windermere had to make a few changes due to a growing injury-list but welcome back Paul Rennison, Jonathan Cooper and Richard Rigg.

The pack played well in the scrums and won a reasonable share of lineout possession but ball retention left a lot to be desired and defence around the fringes could be improved.

In this department, the team missed Simon Thomas who broke his jaw in training.

A penalty goal by Jonathan Cooper was all Windermere had to show for their efforts in a scrappy first-half display.

The second half brought all-round improvement from the visitors and tries by Jeremy Wood, Adrian Gibson and Martin Lord, together with two conversions and a second penalty from Jonathan Cooper saw Windermere edged ahead at 25-22.

In the final 10 minutes, however, Moresby fought hard to turn the match their way and subjected Windermere to intense pressure.

Then a careless pass inside the Windermere 22 was intercepted by Ian Balmer and he raced away to touch down for a try under the Moresby posts.

Jonathan Cooper landed the simple conversion and ensured victory for the relieved visitors.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Windermere entertain Furness at Dawes Meadow.