Depleted Penrith 13’s Battle Valiantly against Netherhall

Playing away against Netherhall is always tough and as Penrith were severely depleted of both players and coaches full commitment was required from the players that made it. After drafting in Sam King from the under 12’s and Adam Stokes, a novice from the 14’s, Penrith started the game well but their lack of match practise and fitness became obvious as the first half progressed.

Netherhall had some big fast runners but Penrith contributed to their own downfall by standing off tackles and failing to gain sufficient possession to impose their own attacking game. As the half went on Penrith slowly found their feet and started putting some decent moves together and showed glimpses of the sort of running rugby they are capable of. However Netherhall continued to rampage through the Penrith ranks and went into the break three tries to the good.

After the break Penrith performed admirably with centre pairing Kyle Glasson and David King pressurising the Netherhall backs far better and hitting them back in the tackle. Luke Jones found his feet and supported by the fast improving Adam Hu started to maraud up the pitch through the defence allowing Dalton Frith and Jake Fabi to start making good use of the space. One such attack, started by a superb run from Conor McKenzie-Tomlinson led to a Penrith try by Will Smith after some quick handling by the backs out wide.

Bobby Greenop battled well as ever in the mauls and Michael Dunne bossed the pack well throughout the game supported well by Matthew McDonald who quietly gets on with the job in hand. Nathan Tweddle uncomplainingly moved positions in the front row to cover injuries and put in a good shift against a big pack. Penrith created more chances when they passed the ball and looked the better rugby side out there at times but couldn’t quite finish the attacks off with another score. Some excellent tidying up by Harry Thompson at full back and a couple of counter attacks he instigated with wingers Will Smith and Warren Porter suggest the back three are starting to combine well.

Netherhall were clearly the better team on the day and looked a good, well drilled unit yet Penrith felt after the game that on another day they could have pushed them close. As it was Netherhall took the spoils 41-5 which rather flattered them in the final analysis. The return match will be eagerly anticipated by both teams as this was good game of rugby played in a tough but fair spirit.

Penrith Man of the Match: Kyle Glasson