Penrith hosted bottom of the table Rochdale who after nine games had failed to chalk up a win, their luck didn't change on Saturday and although Penrith could be pleased with the outcome this is still a side in transition. They could have won by more and probably should have but a win and a bonus point sent them home happy.
The game was an open affair from the start, the visitors ran the ball from the kick off only to knock on on their own 22. Penrith won the scrum and put several phases of play together and although they couldn't quite manufacture a try the pressure did force Rochdale into straying offside, Steve Wood's boot gave the home side a three point lead.
In the next ten minutes Penrith scored two tries and it looked as if it was going to be a cricket score, Rochdale lost the ball on their 10 metre line and slick handling by David Barton and Mike Hawley put Joe Nattrass away on the right and a despairing dive by the full back could not stop him going in at the corner. Wood was instrumental in setting up the second try, he initially made the break to take play into the visitors half, the ball was recycled and when it came back to him his deft chip over the on rushing defensive line was into space, Gavin Cartmel first won the race to the ball to hack on and then won the race to the try line to touch down for the try.
A glut of tries looked in the offing but the home side were to rather lose their way, they gave the ball away too easily, their discipline was not good and as a result Rochdale spent long periods in possession. They spent quite a period of time in the home 22 and although they came close to crossing the home line the Penrith defence was just that little bit too good for them, they did manage a penalty and at the break Penrith had a 13-3 advantage.
At the break coach Stuart Connel got his team back into gear and they started the second half brightly, Wood ran to the right on half way and hoisted a cross kick, Cartmel and James Ellar were obviously aware of what was coming as they were in hot pursuit, the ball bounced kindly and Ellar was able to gather it and draw the cover to give Cartmel a clear run in for his second try.
Penrith extended their lead after winning a lineout deep in the visitors 22, first phase ball was run in up the middle and when the ball was spun a second time Ellar was caught in possession, Gary Hodgson was first on hand to the breakdown, ripped the ball clear and was able run the ball in from ten yards through the overstretched cover. Penrith were to score from the restart, strong runs from Cartmel and captain Mike Raine took play into the visitors 22, the ball came to Wood who stepped through the first line of defence, stepped back inside the fullback who slide on to his backside and strolled in for the try.
The scoring was completed with a minute to go, a strong run from Hodgson took play into the opposition half, he released the ball to Barton who looked to have too much to do but his scuttling action is deceptively quick and he outpaced winger and fullback to score under the posts.
Penrith are having problems in the front row with injuries and part of the solution has been the signing of Andrew Irving who has previously played for Fylde and is just back from a trip to Australia, he looked the business in the scrummage, tackling and running the ball up. Also impressive was young George Birtles making his home debut at open side wing forward, he really is one for the future. Youngster Tom Monney was also able to show his ability at hooker.