Windermere 13- BAE Systems 19.

WHILE disappointing, this early Cumbria Cup defeat was probably a blessing in disguise for Windermere.

After gaining promotion last season, retaining a place in the Cumbria/N Lancs League must be the club's number one priority.

To achieve this, they will need to field their strongest team on a regular basis, avoiding the risk of injuries wherever possible.

They were always in with a chance of winning Saturday's first-round tie, but will not shed too many tears over the result.

Windermere, after a typically shaky opening spell, enjoyed long periods in control and held an 8-6 lead until midway through the second half.

BAE Systems were always a threat, however, and finally got on top to score two well-worked tries in the last quarter and finish worthy winners.

There was plenty of effort from both teams but overall this was a scrappy match and too many stoppages prevented either side from establishing any sort of pattern.

Careless mistakes and niggling infringements as the teams became increasingly frustrated, combined to break up play.

Stoppages for injuries contributed to the general confusion and made it difficult for spectators to sustain interest in the later proceedings.

After the visitors had opened the scoring with a brace of penalty goals from Steve Clarke, Windermere settled down and good play by the forwards kept BAE on the defensive for much of the first half.

Mike Proctor took advantage of home pressure with a snap drop goal and early in the second half, a kick and chase covering half the length of the pitch enabled winger Ian Balmer to win the race for the touchdown. This try put Windermere ahead for the first time.

Soon afterwards the Barrow side thrust upfield and quick passing worked an overlap for Lloyd-Roberts to score in the corner.

Danny Blenkharn and Danny Harrison led some good forward drives for Windermere and James Nield looked dangerous among the backs. But a strong finish by the visitors brought a try for McKinnon followed by a penalty goal for Clarke.

In the dying minutes, Stewart Davis got a consolation try as the Windermere forwards drove over from close range.