Penrith had another challenging away weekend facing problems with availability and Storm Ciara for their game on the Isle of Man. Gone are the days when players would be falling over themselves to be available for a weekend away in Douglas and a bare squad of 18 was put together during the week, only then for a late cry off to reduce it to 17 for the trip itself and that included Head Coach David Preston.
Storm Ciara didn't help much either, firstly making conditions during the game difficult in the wind and then the flight home on Sunday, first in doubt and then very testing for those with a weak stomach.
The side that was put together was perhaps not the first choice and maybe had several players playing out of position but it did have spirit, tenacity and a failure to give in even when things weren't going well. They found themselves 12 points down in nine minutes conceding two tries, the first to a quickly taken penalty following a silly penalty conceded at the breakdown and the second when a gaping gap appeared in midfield.
At this stage the visitors hadn't had a hand on the ball other than try to clear off their own line and things then might have gone badly wrong but they did gradually get a toe hold in the game and get a bit of possession and manage to string some phases of play together. The play though was very scrappy and very open and loose and Penrith might have shipped more tries but for some excellent scrambling defence.
Young flanker Lewis Stewart was outstanding often making several tackles in one phase of play and even if beaten getting back to catch and tackle the ball carrier. Also giving his all was Fraser Nicolson, who on a number of occasions at full back was the last line of defence with a ball carrier through on him man on man and he made the try saving tackles to keep his side in the game.
Penrith did get in the Douglas 22 and a fumbled ball over their own line gave Penrith a 5m scrum, the visitor's set scrum performed well during the game and provided a solid base for physical No8 Scott Lancaster who broke and made for the line. He was pulled down just short and the Cumbrian forwards battered the line with pick and goes and as they worked their way alone the try line from right to left and Tom Lindsay eventually forced his way over for a well deserved try. Nicolson converted in blustery conditions and Penrith were back in the game.
On the stroke of half time Penrith were penalised and a penalty was kicked into the 22 and from the possession from it Douglas were able to force their way over to take the lead out once more to two scores. Then deep in added time with Penrith hanging on for the half time whistle a nice pass out of contact enabled the home side to break the line and score a fourth try for a 26-7 half time lead and in a short space of time the had taken on a different complexion.
Penrith started the second half as if they were still well in the game and completely dominated the third quarter of the game, they spent long periods in the home 22 and put them under pressure but could never quite find the score to turn the game again but they couldn't be faulted for effort. The final score didn't reflect the game as Douglas were flattered by it as they scored a couple of late tries when it became clear Penrith weren't going to be able to stage a come back.
Penrith now have a home game against Vale of Lune where they will be hoping to find a bit of form with difficult trips to Wilmslow and Birkenhead Park to come