Dewsbury Rams fans hail Workington’s hospitality

The Rams laid on free coaches to ferry supporters to the game, meaning a larger than normal following made the seven-hour round trip to Cumbria.

Although the pitch survived an initial 11am inspection, heavy rain led to the referee calling the game off just after Rams supporters began arriving.

Season ticket holder Gary Roberts was among the 150-stong Rams support who travelled to Derwent Park.

He said: “ We drove through a bad snow blizzard and fans on the bus began hearing rumours of a pitch inspection.

“We pulled into the ground only to be told the game had been postponed.

“The Workington chairman got on our coach and invited us all into the clubhouse.

“They provided us with some fantastic hot food and then put on a singer to keep us all entertained.

“We had a drink in the Workington club, some more than others, but it was a terrific afternoon and our spirits were high despite us going all that way and not seeing a game.

“It shows we are all part of the rugby league family and it was a brilliant gesture by the Workington club, who could easily have told us the game was off and sent us straight back to Dewsbury.”

Rams coach Glenn Morrison and chairman Mark Sawyer took time out to have a chat with supporters before beginning their long journey home.

Mr Roberts, a fan of over 50 years, was on the coach with his son Tom, himself a keen rugby player with Batley Boys Under-12s.

He added: “I’d never been to Workington and wouldn’t fancy driving all that way to a game, so decided we would make the trip when the club put on the free coaches.

“It wasn’t a completely wasted journey as we still had a good day and Cumbria is a beautiful part of the country with all the mountains surrounding you.”

Mr Roberts sponsors the Rams, through company Harron Homes, of Colton, Leeds and admits the trip to Workington hasn’t put him off travelling away to support his beloved team.

He added: “The club provided free coaches to the play-off games last season, which I think is a great idea.

“It has got supporters interested in going to the away games.

“My season ticket is in the main stand but I have met supporters who gather in the South Stand and the away trips have helped bring us all together, which is great for the club.”

Dewsbury fans can breath a sigh of relief that they have less than 10 miles to travel to see the team play this week when the Rams meet Hunslet Hawks at South Leeds Stadium.