Penrith Under 13’s do the double on Carlisle

Penrith started the game well but it was Carlisle that managed to score first after an impressive break away from their open-side flanker.

Penrith struck back almost immediately with Michael Dunne, playing for the first time at outside centre, getting to the ball first over the line after sustained Penrith pressure on the home side. It wasn’t the last time Michael was to have an influence on the outcome of the match either. Carlisle looked home and dry soon afterwards with another try but Jake Fabi the Penrith fly half showed his tenacity by chasing him down just before the line with an outstandingly courageous cover tackle.

Penrith seemed to be getting the upper hand with Bruce Glendinning and Nathan Tweddle outstanding in the loose but once again Carlisle broke away with their speed merchant winger outpacing Penrith apart from David King who caught him and pulled off an amazing flying tackle - but just too late – Carlisle went into the break two tries to one up.

The second half saw the Penrith team as a whole play some superb rugby dominating set-pieces with Conor McKenzie-Tomlinson bossing the pack and hooking superbly. With the forwards rucking well, particularly Matthew Rush and Matthew McDonald and the backs showing some great hands it wasn’t long before some great pressure play saw Callum Scobie-Youngs pick and drive from close range to bring the score to within two points. More great play by the entire team saw Penrith dominate the game with captain and scrum half Dalton Frith pulling the strings and putting in some intelligent box kicks, Warren Porter having his best game yet and Isaac Butterworth excelling in a new position on the wing it was only a matter of time before Penrith took the lead. And they did.

Some great handling along the new backline culminated in more pressure on the Carlisle try-line that was finished off impressively by the bullocking Ewan Ivinson. Every time Carlisle tried to break out , the line speed from the Penrith backs, including the wrecking machine that is Kyle Glasson, forced turnover ball.

So a complete performance from the Penrith lads sees them finish the season on a high in the knowledge that they have progressed as individuals and as a team this first season. If only they could play Carlisle every week as it certainly brings out the best in them!