Colts (U18s)
Matches
Sun 17 Feb 2019  ·  North
Penrith RUFC Ltd
Colts (U18s)
Tries: N Allcock, H Burne (2), D Cowperthwaite, B GlendinningConversions: F Nicolson (2)
29
12
Percy Park
Colts v Percy Park (H)

Colts v Percy Park (H)

Vince Campbell20 Feb 2019 - 14:38
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https://www.penrithrufc.org.uk

Top of the Table Perforance

Penrith v Percy Park (H)

Sunday’s game against Percy Park was always going to be a tough, hard-fought contest. Sitting third in the league table with two games in hand, along with Sunderland they are contenders for the top spot. The visitors were very strong and mobile up front and solid in defence, our scrums were scrappy and unsettled as their power pushed through. We persevered and worked hard to create chances, some were missed in the first half but in the second we started to impose our game more, as the gaps appeared we exploited them. We looked after the ball well, cleared the rucks and built phases in open play to lay a platform for the polished backline to impose their game. Full-time score, 29 – 12.

We started on the front foot with some good early pressure testing the visitor’s defensive capabilities. We put together rucks in phases with both the forwards and backs making individual line breaks and forays deep into the visitors half. The first five minutes were spent pressing the 22m and 5m lines but we failed to convert pressure into points. We were rushing to get the ball out and at times appeared disorganised as the game began at a frantic pace. Our decision making at times was poorly executed and that allowed the visitors some respite.

Having soaked up the early pressure, Percy Park imposed some of their own through the big lads up front and one or two handy backs who made good breaks out wide. Our resolve was now being put to the test as they also put together some good rucks and progressed down the park for the first converted score of the game.

We bounced back straight away with a try through Nathan Allcock on the wing. A training ground move from a 22m scrum on the left gave him space as the fullback, Greg Judge joined the line. He offloaded in the tackle to Nathan who then hurtled his way into the right corner. Our game started to take shape as we moved the ball and imposed our game more up front. Five minutes later and on the verge of halftime, scrumhalf, Hugh Burne dodged and weaved his way over the line from the base of a ruck. With quick ball from repeated phases, he saw the defence drifting right. A dummy pass, and sidestep later he was over between the posts. Halftime score, 10 – 7.

The game remained tight but our committed defence kept the visitors pinned in their own half for sustained periods. It was twenty minutes into the half before our next try. It came from open play when Percy Park failed to find touch from a clearing penalty kick. Fly-half Fraser Nicholson caught the ball then weaved his way to within 10m of the line, with good support and a quick ball it was spun out wide to left wing Dylan Cowperthwaite who made it into the left corner. From the restart, we made our way back up field as far as the halfway where we were awarded a penalty. Inside centre, Ed Smith’s kick attempt came up short to the left of the posts. However, the defender fumbled the catch and the ball bobbled forward. Step up the chaser, Hugh for his second try. He scooped the ball off of his shoelaces then dived in the tackle with an outstretched arm to secure the points. Our dominant forward play had produced two previous disallowed tries, deemed “Held up!” We kept the momentum going with Percy Park being starved of possession and more importantly, territory.

Centre, Brodie Glendinning was next to score, it capped off what was an amazing ten minute period that put the game to bed. With a penalty won on Percy’s try-line we took a 5m scrum option. With clean ball won, Ed Smith at first receiver caught, then popped the ball up to Brodie running straight at pace through a gap. Ed converted to increase the score, 29 – 7. From the restart, we conceded consecutive penalties and the visitors pressed home the advantage with a tap and go, then offload to a big lad in the tackle, he crashed over the line for the last score of the game in the dying seconds, full time, 29 – 12.

February has seen our lads raise their game against some top-notch sides. Our focus, effort levels and determination has produced some brilliant results. With one eye on the next round of the National Cup on the 17th of March, we still have league games to contend with. Ryton away this Sunday and Jarrovians at home on the 10th.

Well done to all the lads for another superb, well-deserved win that takes us back to the top of the table. Thanks also to the devoted support and excellent videographer, Gav Riley.

Match details

Match date

Sun 17 Feb 2019

Kickoff

13:00

Competition

North

League position

1
Penrith
3
Percy Park
Team overview
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