AN INJURY to lineout specialist Danny Harrison in the opening minutes meant a pack reshuffle. But after an understandably slow start, Windermere took control in this second meeting in a month against the West Cumbrians.

Final score: Windermere 24 - Whitehaven 5.

Earlier, Windermere had a battle to subdue Whitehaven in a cup fixture but this league match proved more straightforward.

Altogether this was a much more rounded performance from Windermere and they were good value for the win.

Four excellent tries were scored with the Nield brothers, James and Matthew, grabbing two of them while the third member of the family in the side, Daniel, came close to scoring and was one of the busiest and most effective players on view.

Strong play by props Rick Musetti and Brett Cooper gave Windermere a solid platform in the scrums, while outside the strong running of the threequarters benefited from the support play of flankers Simon Thomas and Danny Blenkharn.

Perhaps the most spectacular try was scored by full back Steve Norton. He was put through by James Nield after which his pace and inside step left the Whitehaven full-back floundering.

This opening try after 20 minutes left Chris Sansom a simple conversion.

Whitehaven had enjoyed territorial advantage up to this point but kicked away most of their possession while fly-half Twinn missed with three penalty attempts. These were mistakes they could ill-afford as Windermere tightened up their game and began to take control.

Early in the second half Simon Thomas finished off some slick passing involving forwards and backs for the next try, again converted by Chris Sansom.

Whitehaven seemed to be running out of steam as Windermere kept up the pressure. Another sharply executed attack saw James Nield race away, helped by poor tackling, to dive over in the corner.

Windermere went to sleep for a while after this, allowing Whitehaven to hit back with lively scrum-half Cottier, always their most penetrative runner, scampering in at the corner. But Windermere finished the stronger and fine combination by Simon Thomas and Chris Sansom sent Mattew Nield sprinting away for the final try.

Fairclough Homes Leagues: Bateman BMW Premier League: Chester 2nd 39, Kendal 2nd 0.

Division 4 (N) Kendal Hornets 22, Littleborough 3.Kirkby Lonsdale 2nd v Aspull 2nd (w/o to Aspull).