WINDERMERE put up a spirited fight against Workington but narrowly lost in a thriller at the Ellis Sports Ground.

Despite the hosts being 15 points up within the first quarter of an hour, Windermere took the game right to the wire.

The Zebras looked dangerous from the start and Scott Rooke converted a penalty to give Workington an early lead.

This was quickly followed up by a try by Bede O’Connor who had followed a good break and offload by Jack Todhunter.

Wing forward Ross Cape then made another telling break and this time Rooke was on his shoulder to finish the move and add the conversion.

Hodgson then got the visitors on the move with a number of probing runs and kicks.

Windermere were not to be denied and they bundled over following a line out,

Three minutes later another smart back move gave wing Connor Snell the chance to score in the corner.

The score remained 15-10 at half time.

Windermere had a couple of chances before Bob Hodgson scored for Workington against the run of play.

A conversion by Rooke and another penalty for offside gave the Zebras some breathing space.

Two more tries by Tom Lawson took the score to 37-10.

However Windermere fought back when Hodgson scored an individual try in the corner followed by a penalty try which ensured the visitors went home with a bonus point.