As we hit the halfway mark of the season the accomplishments of Workington Town RLFC are surely going to plan. Half way, that is, we should have officially been lining up for number 14 of 28 on Sunday but Doncaster away spoils the equation at present. Therefore I feel it's time for a half term report.

First, in brief - the boys are doing fine, but could do a touch better, and are capable of putting the club back on the map. Obviously the defeat at Leigh, and the two home reversals to Oldham and Keighley were not in the script for the, uncharitable, success seeking, fans. But on face value let's look at those lost points, with that old ally hindsight to assist, though personally I'm not sure those three defeats can be regarded as disappointing at all, at least certainly not the tragedies which some have raged on about.

Wait now while I try dig myself out of this hole while brandishing my view. Oldham came, saw, and conquered a new look Town squad. Yes I know Rochdale had already been seen off, but the lack of continuity courtesy of an uneven NFP format saw us having to wait two weeks between fixtures. A coach's nightmare surely? And, therefore, Oldham caught us cold - literally, if I recall correctly.

Leigh away? Well come on then who reckoned we would win that one then? And you don't have to remind it was the nature of the score line that caused most concern. But still just two league points were in fact surrendered. Of the Keighley game much more of the same can be said, it wasn't so much being beaten, but the score suggested Town had been thrashed.

Were you there? If so can you bring yourself to agree with me that it was very much a combination of the weather, and one visitor, who put us to the sword that afternoon? I have highlighted those defeats, basically, to please the cynics as Towns low spots to date. The other setback at the Auto Quest was a good performance in all but the end result.

Looking now at what I regard as the top of the pops Town conquests of this current campaign. At number three that opener versus Rochdale. It had been an interesting off-season, with the club's directors bringing in some new faces to aid Gary's play-off hopes. But how would these players blend when the action kicked off for real? Hornets had also strengthened up, and would be no pushovers. They were not, however the ten-point margin was more comfortable than it looks on paper.

At number two that nail biter at Craven Park. End to end thrills and mistakes? Maybe so, but enthralling? Definitely! Both teams wanted that win badly, and Town hung on. Despite enduring more extra time than Man United have in total scored goals in (work that out) or so it seemed.

At number one the main Cumbria derby, a sleepless night prior to this one, a ritual I always suffer (havenitis?) didn't stop me hailing the lads like a loony (watch it!) following a brilliant victory over the dreaded enemy. It was sweet dreams after that, and I'm still counting the tries as I doze off into my blue haven.

What of the remaining half to come? Again I must say, on paper, which doesn't always count for much, the run in looks quite formidable. April could prove the making or breaking of the season for Town.

Sunday's visit of perennial NFP play-off contenders Hull K.R. looks to be a match not to be missed. I just hope that the attendance reflects the effort being put in by the players and staff at Derwent Park. I look at the calendar and see that Sunday's date is a favourite for the jokers to relish. While I do expect to be preaching to the already converted via this web site, I'll have another shot regardless.

Please believe me folks - I'm not fooling - Workington Town need more people through the turnstiles, in fact the clubs efforts deserve increased backing so come on down, support the top Town.
K.S.