Last updated at 11:37, Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Workington Town match-winner Mike Whitehead looks to have played in his last local derby after sealing victory against table-topping Barrow Raiders.

Mike Whitehead

With the game delicately poised at 42-34 in Town’s favour, Whitehead came off the bench to crash over in the dying minutes, Carl Forber adding the extras, to deny Raiders an all-important bonus point and put Workington back in the driving seat for the Championship One title.

Barrow-born and bred Whitehead, 34 later this month and a veteran of 18 seasons in the professional game, said: “It was great to score but left me with a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth. Darren [Raiders’ coach Darren Holt] is my best mate but I am paid to do a job and did it.

“It was obviously very good to score the try to put us back in contention for the league title,” added the prop/second-rower who started his career with Wigan before playing for Barrow and Haven, as well as Town for the last four seasons.

“This will probably be my last season as a pro and it will be nice to go out on a high after winning promotion and, hopefully, as champions. My wife, Leanne, wants me to call it a day and I think it’s time to spend more time with my sons Zack and Finn. I’ll probably play a few matches for Walney in the amateur ranks.”

Town chairman Dave Bowden was full of praise for Whitehead. “Mike’s safe with the ball and solid in defence. He has a lot of experience and can come off the bench and do a job. He’s made a huge contribution and scored a very important try on Sunday.”

It’s been a season to remember as Whitehead is midway through his testimonial season. A golf day at Furness Golf Club on September 21 has already been organised, and a dinner is pencilled in for November although nothing has yet been confirmed.

For further details on the golf day, contact Ryan Whitehead on 07921 217458, and on the dinner, contact Dave Whitehead on 07772 232987.

• The Gateshead v Workington game, postponed nine days ago, has been rearranged for Wednesday, August 29, four days before Town’s scheduled final Championship One match at home to Rochdale on Sunday, September 2.

First published at 11:28, Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk