In the early evening sunshine and on an excellent pitch, Penrith U16’s took to the field for a pre-season friendly against local rivals Carlisle – runners up in last year’s County Cup. Both teams had been training throughout the summer and were keen to have a run out before the season began. To allow both coaches to fully utilise their whole squads, the game was played over three twenty minute periods with rolling replacements.

The first third saw Carlisle threaten from the outset with their recently strengthened pack promising a tough physical encounter. With several phases of play leading into the Penrith half, they were held just short of the try line by some well-timed tackling. Having exhibited some great ball handling through the backs, and winning well-executed line outs, Penrith’s perseverance paid off as Lewis Wright crossed the line for his first ever try for the club! There were a number of excellent breaks from Alex Pantechis, combined with some superb tackling from many players. Freddy Pritchard took the ball forward on a number of occasions, side stepping several bemused Carlisle players. However, a short time later, Carlisle crossed the line having punched holes in the Penrith defence before taking the ball wide and over the line. Adding the conversion, gave Carlisle a narrow lead at the end of the first twenty.

Second period, with a few changes in our forwards, Carlisle again took advantage and managed to push Penrith off the ball during a number of scrums but were unable to convert these opportunities into points with a number of knock-ons. With warnings from the ref about failing to roll away at the tackle, the Carlisle No 8 was yellow carded for a similar incursion and Penrith went on to capitalise on Carlisle having 14 players. Following a line-out, made possible by the consistently accurate kicking of Nick Dudson, David Whittle broke away swiftly from a driving maul to dive over the line in the corner. Carlisle’s Noutch went onto score a further try for the home team by running on to make a tricky but well timed collection of his kick and take it quickly to ground. New player for Penrith, Travis Simpson continued an excellent start to his season making a number of excellent ball carries well into the Carlisle half. Further good pressure from Penrith told with a well-deserved try by Tommy Graves in the 39th minute.

Final twenty minutes, with one try in it, the players were beginning to tire and some creative positional choices were having to be made by both coaches to keep the teams fresh and in control. Penrith often found themselves losing the ball in the break down which Carlisle were swift to punish being sharp from the break. One such break stemming from a penalty saw Carlisle with a considerable overlap which allowed them to go over the line. Five minutes before the whistle, excellent handling across the field allowed a strong run from David Whittle to put the ball down between the posts which Nick Dudson easily converted, leaving the final result 17-22 in Penrith’s favour.

A good performance from the whole of the Penrith squad led to a close win over a well drilled and focussed Carlisle team who, as always, provide an excellent challenge as one of the strongest squads in the county. Both teams were determined and played with great heart and in good spirits.