Depleted Broncos impress

Workington Town's woeful season continued yesterday as they lost 34- 6 to a 12-man London Broncos in a scrappy contest watched by their lowest crowd of the Super League campaign, just 1,400.

The fifth-placed Broncos had their Australian prop forward Gavin Allen sent off after 15 minutes for a high tackle, but still comfortably held the best that Workington could offer, and led the basement club 10-0 at the break.

Ray Allen, the the dismissed forward's younger brother, went in for the opening try on 34 minutes, and five minutes later the outstanding Tulsen Tollett twisted out of two tackles to score the second. Workington, fielding eight players who had started the season in the Alliance team, were given hope when Lee Chilton strode through on 56 minutes after Wayne Kitchin had laid on the pass.

That try and a Kitchin goal reduced the Broncos' lead to only four points. London, however, responded almost immediately when the impressive Tollett put Steve Rosolen over for the Broncos' third try.

That seemed to break Town's resolve and London took charge. Tony Mestrov crashed over from short range and then Ray Allen scored his second try following Darren Shaw's high pass. Workington were a beaten side even before Darryl Pitt strode in for London's sixth try, five minutes from time. Terry Matterson kicked three goals, with Mark Maguire adding two for the visitors.

Results, Digest, page 23