Defences on top in tough match against improved WBR

After a win at home 40-26 Penrith made the trip to Whitley Bay with a good squad of 19 players and expected a tough match and were not disappointed losing 5 – 12. Only 3 tries in the game down to excellent defence from both teams but Penrith will rue some poor final passes and opportunities out wide when some simple passing would have led to tries.
WBR stared well and good tackles by Leila and Penny were required. Charlotte at scrum half moved the ball quickly from a ruck and Lily Salmon made an excellent run in the 22m area stopped with a high tackle but the position was wasted with sloppy passing.
WBR switched play well and a good tackle by Charlotte halted their attack.
Penriths defensive line was not pressing as a unit relying on good tackles by No8 Penny and full back Eimhear to save the day.
WBR scored first their early play deserved, errors led to ground conceded before their strong runners carried over under the posts converted for 7-0 lead.
Penrith scrum dominated in the first half with props Neve and Chloe , hookers Jessica and Maebh providing a good platform and 2nd rows Lily and Lucy combining well.
Penrith used the blindside well off scrums and a switch by fly half Amber gave Caitlin on the wing room to make good ground but as was often the case the WBR cover and particularly the full back made their tackles to deny scores.
The referee was a senior Northumberland referee and didn’t miss anything so flanker Katie was penalised as she pushed the boundaries as she should!
Leila ran well all game and a break with Amber in support looked promising before a loose pass.
Charlotte next used the blindside off the scrum to give wing Becca a run one of 5 /6 excellent breaks in the game– she made good ground – good recycling by Penny and Katie found WBR offside but from the penalty the ball was lost in a strong home tackle.
Another promising backs move with Leila and Evie combining but she was just held short. The pressure continued there were several carries, Amber held just short, and good continuity against a strong defence before Charlotte used her strength to squeeze over for a try and 5-12 half time score.
The 2nd half started with Penrith players aiming to improve their accuracy and work off the ball. A good move saw Caitlin tackled just short, Sofia continued with a strong carry but was bundled into touch.
Back on defence the press improved with Sofia, Charlotte, Matilda, Lili T-P and Leila tackling well. The players also held up the direct WBR runners several times, Chloe and Penny leading to get a scrum turnover.
Errors still gifted possession and a Eimhear and Sofia double tackle stopped the home winger from scoring.
The home pressure continued, Penrith regained possession, but a dropped pass and slow reaction saw a home team forward pick up and drive over for 12-5 lead.
The girls responded well, playing probably their best as they strove for scores,working well as a team. Opportunities were created but unfortunately the ball was carried into the strong home defence rather than moved to space. Amber kicked well a couple of times to gain ground, good handling by Matilda and Evie created an opportunity but the final pass went to floor. The defence was again tested with Ella making 2 good tackles to halt the attack, Maebh being busy and Matilda rushing up and making the tackle of the day
The final attack saw Caitlin running strongly but couldn’t get past the final defender and the ruck was lost for a fine win by WBR.
Thanks to WBR for hosting and we can look forward to more good games next season.
Squad; Lili Thompson - Parry. Méabh McGrath. Jessica Hodgson. Chloe Brown, Neve Winder. Lucy Booth, Lily Salmon, Katie Smith, Penny Robinson. Charlotte Harnwell (Capt) Amber Beaty, Rebecca Newby. Leila Robinson, Matilda McTear, (V/Capt) Evie Holme. Caitlin Padgett Eimhear McGrath. Sofia Hellevik, Ella Parry.
Thanks to Coaches; Nigel, Sean and Lindsey. Parent helpers Lee and Steve.