Sunshine, rugby and fun for Penrith U13 Girls at Netherall festival.

Penrith travelled to Mayport for the 2nd Cumbria Girls festival with clubs bringing as many players as wanted to play and teams made up on the day.
Like the other squads Penrith had a mixture of experienced players and some playing their first game in the squad of 14.
They had prepared well with a team building meal on the Friday night helping to integrate the new players.
They enjoyed 3 competitive games of 12 a aside, 20 mins a game against Keswick, Netherall and a Babaas team made up from several clubs.

The first game finished 5-4 to Keswick, Penrith made a slow start against an improved Keswick team who scored 4 first half tries before Capt for the day Katie Smith led the way finishing off some good passing with a try in the corner.
The introduction of Sofia Helivik at half time lifting the effort of the squad, she made a strong run from her own half to score and was denied a repeat from the kick off with a fine last ditch tackle from Keswick forced a knock on . Good defensive pressure with Keira Robinson and Leila Robinson to the fore saw Amber Beaty drive the ball carrier over the line and dive on the loose ball.
Amber then scored a fine individual try after good passing to space from Charlotte Harnwell before time ran out as they pressed for an equalising try.

For Game 2 against a more physical Netherall team the squad lifted their game to win 6-1. It was an even game but the Penrith defence was much improved with Leila Robinson, Amber, Sofia, Jess Graham, Scarlett and Katie in particular putting in aggressive tackles
Sofia started the scoring after good passing and support play from Lili Thompson – Parry and Jess. Moving the ball along the line into space was paying dividends and Evie Wallace scored the first of her hat trick of tries with a fine weaving run. Strong defence and a turnover gave Lili a chance to show her pace and she ran in a try from half way.
In the 2nd half Netherall picked up a deserved try before Evie scored her 2nd with Amber and Lili passing well.
A new tactic of kicking and chase paid of as the ball was retrieved for Evie to score her hat trick.
Good scrum ball from the 3 player scrum of Keira, Leila and Chloe Brown gave Lili a chance to speed away for the final try.

Game 3 was against the Babaas, a bigger stronger team so speed and finding space plus strong tackling was needed. The Babaas power saw them move ahead 6 tries to one excellent try by Leila after a determined mazy run.
The Babaas were more experienced at rucking and often turned over the possession but the girls never gave up and came back strongly to score 3 further tries. Charlotte switched from distributor to strong runner to drive through some tackles with Scarlett Turnbull in support for Lili to score.
Chloe had picked up a knock in the first half but showed her bravery as she carried strongly through several tackles for a try.
Summer Goodwin was showing the way passing before contact and again it was Lili away to score after good work from Katie and Jess.
Katie playing a new role of full back was busy making some excellent tackles on the strong running Babaas players.
A highlight of the final game was seeing debutants Lexie Clark and Hope Weir getting more involved as confidence grew, Lexie had several weaving runs showing good pace and Hope ran well before passing to support in the tackle.

Lots to work on in training on Fri nights 4.30pm - 6pm

Next Festival at Kendal on Sun 10th November.

Any girls interested in playing please email Nigel - n.beaty@sky.com

Squad
Katie Smith (Capt) Jess Graham, Amber Beaty, Summer Goodwin, Lexie Clark, Leila Robinson, Keira Robinson, Hope Weir, Scarlett Turnbull, Lili Thompson- Parry, Sofia Helivik, Chloe Brown, Charlotte Harnwell. Evie Wallace.

Thanks to Team Manager Audrey Turnbull, this weeks reporter Steve Harnwell and all the parents who supported.