Windermere 7 - 3 Blackpool.

WINDERMERE at last got the reward their effort and commitment in recent weeks deserved. For most of this demanding season Windermere have struggled as injuries have disrupted selection. Saturday was no different in this respect but they finally emerged winners.

Blackpool are just above them at the foot of the table but have been boosted recently by an influx of Fijian players who are apparently in this country serving in the army and based in Blackpool. Two of them were playing in this match and one of them, a big, rangy No. 8 posed a very real threat with his powerful and elusive running.

But it was the much-changed home pack which paved the way to this memorable win. Stuart Davies, the big lock, was at the heart of this effort and the rest of the forwards responded to his example. Shaun Richardson also did well, coming on as a substitute in the second half, and his extra poundage and ball-carrying abilities make a strong case for his inclusion in the starting line-up.

Behind the scrum, Windermere made some dangerous attacks and created the better scoring opportunities. It was fitting, therefore that they should grab the only try of the match late in the first half.

The conditions had a major influence on this game with a strong, gusting wind blowing up the field, bringing with it freezing showers of rain and hail.

Windermere had the advantage in the first half and accordingly were able to keep Blackpool under pressure. Defences were generally on top until Windermere were awarded a penalty on the visitors' 22 and ran the ball. Two quick passes enabled Simon Cole to take the ball at pace and his strength and determination took him over near the posts for Chris Sansom to add the goal points. Blackpool hit back with a short-range penalty just before the break.

Inevitably in the second half as the wind blew even harder and conditions deteriorated, Blackpool had most of the territorial advantage. It was difficult for Windermere to kick clear so they sensibly kept the ball in hand while the backs gave support with some strong tackling.

The result remained in doubt until the Windermere pack won a crucial scrum on a Blackpool put-in near the posts. This was the final clincher for Windermere, giving them only the second win of the season.

Furness 2nd XV 31 - 26 Windermere 2nd XV.

THE LEAD chopped and changed in this hard-fought Westmorland and Furness Trophy game before Furness broke away in the final minutes for the winning score.

A troublesome strong wind helped to make it a scrappy affair at times, but with both sides trying to run the ball there were nine ties in all.

Windermere's scrummaging was far superior thanks to the front row's excellent work, but the visitors went behind against the run of play when an attack broke down and a kick through led to a Furness try Windermere hit back from a tap penalty as Damien Maher crashed over, but another error allowed Furness a five-metre scrum and they added a second try.

Fly-half Chris Blenkharn then seized on a mistake to score and convert the try to put Windermere back ahead. Using the wind, the Barrow side pinned Windermere back for the remainder of the first half, adding another score following some poor tackling.

Trailing 17-12 but with the wind now in their favour, Windermere felt that victory was there for the taking. But although Rick Musetti went over from a close-range maul, Furness hit back with two quick tries.

Windermere hopes rose when second-row Rich Gayton forced his way over to level the scores. Furness finished the stronger, however, and scored again to clinch verdict over spirited opponents who played with a man down.