Report by Phil Healy
Guisborough showed heart and determination to overcome a Carlisle side that now find themselves dragged into a relegation scrap. In a game that swung either way throughout in the end it was visitors who showed the determination to come through and claim a full 5 points whilst Carlisle were yet again left to rue missed chances taking a single try bonus for their efforts.

It began dreadfully for the hosts. Guisborough recovered the kick off and after a couple of phases broke through the Carlisle midfield to go in under the posts and a 0-7 lead.
It got worse on 10 minutes. Camped on the visitor’s line and looking for an equalising score an interception in midfield saw Guisborough go the full length of the field for a second try, also converted and 0-14.

Finally the hosts found their feet. Again, they camped in the Guisborough 22 and this time a short ball from Jake Whittaker saw Dan Holmes crash over under the post. 7-14 after 15 minutes.
On 20 minutes it was all square. The forwards laid the platform with some strong incursions into the Guisborough 22 and then centres Dan Holmes and Euan Forlow linked well for Forlow to over. Jake Whittaker added the conversion for 14-14.

Back came the visitors, and their ball retention and continuity led to pressure in the home 22. This time however they were repelled and a turnover allowed Carlisle to clear their lines. The next 10 minutes of the game was played largely in the middle of the pitch with both sides having chances to establish themselves but breaking down at key points. Eventually it was Carlisle who gained the upper hand. A penalty led to a lineout on the Guisborough 22 and the ball was moved through midfield and up the pitch eventually creating space for Forlow to go in for his second try. This time the conversion was missed, but for the first time Carlisle were ahead. The visitors had some late pressure in the Carlisle half but were unable to take advantage and at half time the hosts were ahead 19-14.

Whatever was said in the Guisborough half time huddle had the desired effect. Despite have been second best at scrum time in the first half they drove Carlisle off their own ball early in the second period earning a penalty leading to a line out in the home 22. A couple good phases saw their centre go over under the posts and a successful conversion gave them a 19-21 lead. The visiting forwards were now beginning to get on top. Another scrum penalty and kick to the home 22. This time the attack was repelled but only at the expense of a penalty which Guisborough kicked to lead 19-24 after 50 minutes.

The home side needed a response, and on 57 minutes they got it. A kick out on the full allowed Carlisle a line out in the visitor’s half. Carlisle took it quickly and broke downfield, repelled at first but the ball was recycled and space created for Forlow to go in for his hatrick and Carlisle’s bonus point try. The conversion from Jason Israel gave them a slender 26-24 advantage.

Back came the visitors and earned themselves a penalty in the Carlisle 22 which they converted to restore their lead at 26-27.

Then came the key play of the game. Carlisle were pressing hard to regain a lead, but another interception saw Guisborough break out when a score seemed imminent. This time the player was caught on the halfway but the damage was done. The Guisborough support arrived and couple of phases later they were over for their own bonus point try and with the conversion led 26-34.
The visitors now had their tails up and kicked deep into the Carlisle half to put they pressure on the hosts and they won a penalty when a Carlisle players crossed. A successful kick extended their advantage to 26-37 on 75 minutes, from which they saw out the game to give themselves a vital win.

So, Carlisle go into their run-in knowing they now need to fight for every point. Their destiny is in their own hands and they will need to scrap for everything to ensure survival. That starts at Morpeth next Saturday and then Consett the week after.