YORK RUFC Women beat Workington 12-7 in their Junior Cup second-round tie thanks to tries by Georgina Roberts and Ellie Seagrave.

Both touchdowns came in the second half after a scoreless first 40 minutes.

York made a good start, regaining possession from the kick-off through hard-hitting Kat Feetenby-Gare, who showed huge intensity throughout.

They controlled the ball inside Workington’s half aided by darting runs from Harriet Etchells, who effectively filled the number seven shirt.

However, the Cumbrians repelled wave after wave of attacks and had opportunities themselves, York being saved by full-back Seagrave’s great cover tackling following a counter-attack.

Jane Richardson came close to scoring for York when battling hard down the wing. However, she had to be substituted after a knock to the head. Workington found themselves in the referee’s book for numerous offences before the half came to an end.

The fit-again Jessica Hall and Fiona Piercy made welcome returns to action in the second period which started as the first half had ended with York pressing hard.

Roberts duly opened the scoring, picking and going from the base of the ruck for a solo try. The conversion attempt was charged down - indicating Workington’s determination.

The lead increased from a lineout on the Workington 22. The ball was offloaded to scrum-half Laura Coles who passed to Meg Kerry via Ruth Whitehead. The ball then reached Seagrave who crossed under the posts, the try being converted by Whitehead.

There were still 30 minutes left but York held strong under some intense pressure and, while Workington squeezed through to the posts to cut the gap to 12-7, that was how it ended.

Robyn Davies was York’s back of the match with number eight Becky Coultish getting the award in the forwards.

York are next in action at home to Hull Ionians on Sunday, January 6.