Few knew quite what to expect as the South Wales Scorpions took to the field for their opening fixture.

There were some familiar names on show for rugby league enthusiasts in Wales - but it was difficult to predict how a relatively young squad would gel having not played a single friendly game.

The bookmakers didn't give the Scorpions much hope ahead of the new season. Ladbrokes priced the Scorpions up at 100/1 to lift the league title - but that looked incredible value after the fledgling club dominated the opening forty minutes against a well-established Workington side.

Three first-half tries and a penalty from White handed the Scorpions a 16-0 advantage. The travelling Cumbrian club looked stunned as the hosts showed guile and power to totally boss the first-half.

Anthony Blackwood and Jordan James - both on loan from the Crusaders - looked particularly dangerous and above their level as Workington struggled to create meaningful chances.

Former Crusader and Scorpions sipper Aled James ran over the first try, with Steve Parry and Lee Williams also charging over.

Workington spent the majority of the half on the back foot and the Scorpions players headed down to Gnoll tunnel to a standing ovation from the impressed home supporters.

The 16 point cushion was better that most expected - and had it not been for some sloppy finishing, the rampant Scorpions could have been further in the ascendancy.

The second-half started in much the same vein and the game looked over as the Scorpions ran over another try shortly after the re-start. Williams again did the damage and though White once again hit the woodwork with his conversion attempt - maximum points looked rapped up.

However, Workington were to soon leave their first-half complacency behind and stage a remarkable comeback.

Aaron Low soon reduced the arrears before Neil Frazer capped a fine passing move with another try which was brilliantly converted from the touchline by Scott Kaighan.

The Scorpions players started to look nervous when Jamie Marshall charged through a tired home defence, before Andrew Beattie showed a clean pair of heels to the men in black and pink to score and amazingly restore parity.

Workington surged forward in search of the winner - and they nearly took the lead on 70 minutes. Kaighan had the simple task of popping a drop-goal over the posts from a near-perfect angle - but a hapless effort trickled wide and that seemed to lift the Scorpions.

White missed a drop-goal of his own on the third tackle in the closing stages - but a late penalty for the Scorpions ultimately proved crucial as the unpredictable White found his kicking boots to slot home from 20-odd yards.

The Scorpions held on in the closing stages to the delight of the 565 crowd. Fans now face a one month wait before the club are in action again at the Gnoll.

The long trip to Doncaster RLFC is next up for the Scorpions in a fortnight's time, though there is a friendly against South Wales Thunder before then.

Overall, the day was a huge success. Critics will note the player's lack of discipline in the second-half and, admittedly, we were perhaps overly reliant on the Crusaders boys. The physical presence of Jordan James was probably the Scorpions' strongest asset - though many made impressive debuts, with substitutes Neil Dallimore, Christiaan Roets and Steve Parry all making an impact.

However, this was the first fixture and the display during the opening forty minutes suggests that our young and largely inexperienced squad will compete with Championship One opposition.

The crowd of 565 could have been better - but the fans were treated to an entertaining fixture and hopefully they - along with many others - will be back to savour the delights of rugby league once again.

Full Time - South Wales Scorpions RLFC 22-20 Workington Town RLFC
Attendance - 565

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