Colts v Carlisle - County Final

Penrith v Carlisle County Final

Having narrowly lost out to Sunderland by one point in the dying minutes the week before, Penrith were in a determined mood and keen to make amends in yet another cup clash with Carlisle. The county final at the Keswick ground was the venue for what turned out to be a repeat performance of last year’s final, another Penrith win. The game was tight and scoring opportunities were limited, both sides defended well. With just one point separating the two teams with ten minutes remaining, it was Penrith who eased the pressure to close out the game and finish 18 – 12.

Penrith kicked-off and pressed forward making some solid tackles that eventually turned the ball over. A Carlisle infringement followed within kicking distance, up stepped Penrith’s captain, Ed Smith to put three early points on the scoreboard. Carlisle was a very big strong physical side that had our scrummage moving backwards at almost every put-in. The lineouts were much of a lottery for both sides but in open play, we looked the more dangerous. As the game remained very tight Ed tried to convert another penalty kick at the end of the first half, this time from long range just inside the oppositions half. The score, however, remained at three-nil with both teams still having everything to play for.

We started the second half as we started the first with some early pressure that was converted into points. Ed once again kicked a penalty for another three points with less than ten minutes into the half. Our pack started to put together some quick rucking phases down the middle of the park. With Carlisle now on the back foot the penalty count against them started to rise. A penalty-try came next for Penrith, a quick-thinking Vincent Chan pulled the ball from the ruck after the referee’s whistle blew once again to penalise Carlisle. He tapped then drove to the line but came up short with two tacklers in tow. The referee had no hesitation and raised his arm between the posts.

From the re-start, Carlisle took the fight straight back. Under pressure, we conceded a penalty on our 22m line. Another quick tap and go was first recycled from the ruck then chipped into the corner. The chase was good and with our clearing kick charged down Carlisle added seven points to their account. 5 minutes later they again went over, this time into the right corner, blindside off of the base of a ruck deep in our half. The momentum had now swung in Carlisle’s favour. With ten minutes left to play and just one point between the two sides (13-12), it was anyone’s game for the taking.

Penrith however, sensed an upset. They upped their game from the re-start and played out the remaining minutes in Carlisle’s half. The pack were looking after the ball, the big runners were breaking the gain-line and our backline was seeing much more of the ball. Fatigue was creeping in as Penrith pressed deeper into the oppositions half. The last score came from a Carlisle clearing kick. Our backs and forwards linked well for one final push. Several phases of play later and we were once again on Carlisle’s 5m line. A snipping run from our scrum-half, Hugh Burne on the right drew in the defence before he then offloaded to Josh Winder. The way to the line opened up as he powered over with both ball and tackler, 18 – 12.

A fantastic result for a great bunch of lads. The success of this season has without a doubt been built on our strength in depth, one large squad but one fantastic “team” Each and every player stepped up their performance to make a huge difference in the absence of a lot of key players.

Having won the North East and Cumbria, "North" league. This Sunday the Colts travel to the Newcastle Falcons ground for a cup final with the "South" league winners, West Hartlepool, an 11:45 kick-off. The clash will crown the winners as champions in what promises to be a great day for the lads and supporters. Both teams have registered just one defeat all season in their respective leagues.

Waiting’s Ltd has kindly sponsored a coach and there will be a collection on the day for Brain Tumour Research.