U13's v Fylde

Penrith v Fylde
Sixteen diehards were keen to take the challenge to Fylde despite the eleventh hour fixture mix up! The journey was less arduous than thought and everyone arrived on time. The weather was favourable but the clouds were dark and looming, the wind was cross pitch and favoured slightly from left to right (depending on what side you were stood on!)
Penrith started the game with the slight wind advantage. Fylde kicked off and the ball was scooped up by Penrith, the drive forward resulted in a knock on and a Fylde put in on the half way line. The Penrith drive was to be a blueprint for the rest of the game as they drove forward with dominance. Fylde retained possession but couldn’t use the ball to good effect due to the pressing backs. After 5 minutes Penrith’s pressure provided another scrum, this time midway into oppositions half. They capitalised on a powerful drive with the quick ball landing at Jack Wallace’s feet (No 8) He was quick to pounce with a pick up and run. A great individual effort, shimmying around defender’s and touching down to the right of the posts near to the touchline. 0 – 5. Ed Smith’s (No 12) kick dropping short was always a big ask. An enthusiastic start with an equal amount of optimism. However, Fylde looked like a formidable team with a large squad of players. Their restart put them on the front foot driving forwards. A knock on gave Fylde a scrummage on the Penrith 10 metre line. They got a rare edge with a drive forward, retaining the ball. It was quickly passed out and the handy inside centre got his hands on the ball, with a missed tackle and side step he easily dropped over the line to the left of the posts, 5 -5. The try was converted from an awkward angle, 7 -5. With only 10 minutes gone Penrith were again caught off guard defensively with another score, this time between the posts, 12 – 5. The conversion was simple with the home team making the extra two points count, 14 – 5. The first half ending with Fylde pressing, a scrummage won on Penrith’s 10 metre line, the ball again fired to that inside centre who drove over the short distance with ease. Penrith never relented in defence and reaped the rewards of their efforts, the ball was dropped on touchdown, no try, half time whistle, phew!
Joe Robinson kicked off and inspired a second half fight back. Penrith realised their dominance in the scummage, not only winning their ball, but frequently against the head with solid drives forwards. Loose play was one of the home team’s strengths, Penrith managed to deal with most of the tight play down the middle. After 11 minutes the game was interrupted due to a Fylde injury, the player was carried off but thankfully not seriously injured. Penrith’s sustained pressure in the Fylde half provided the much needed points through Louie Johnson (No 10) The ball recycled on the oppositions 22m line found Louie, a majestic run through the middle side stepping and swerving with a touch down between the posts. 14 – 10. Ed converted, 14 – 12. The game seemed to be swinging in favour of the ascending team, and the hopes of the away crowd (well, enthusiastic parents) Scrummage after scrummage Penrith drove forward, the lion’s share of the half spent in the oppositions half. With minutes to go, disappointing handling down the left twice saw Fylde’s speedy right winger intercept the scraps and run more than half the length of the pitch to score in the corner. The score did not reflect the bigger picture! A fantastic effort by all the boy’s, a great team effort against a very good team. We look forward to the return match at Winters Park.
We extend our season's greetings to all parents and players, and hope its a prosperous and fruitful New Year.