The Penrith Under 13 team hosted a touring Chester team on Sunday 30 October in what was anticipated to be a very tough challenge. The game lived up to expectations as both sides contributed to a thrilling encounter with the Penrith team battling well to match their opponents.

Chester started the match very strongly and subjected the home team to intense pressure which they managed to withstand and although the visitors proved to be more effective in the rucks, Penrith stuck to their task and held their opponents at bay. Against the run of play Patrick Noutch got hold of the ball within his own half and outpaced the defenders to score the first try of the match, for Penrith, just before the ten minute mark. From the restart, Chester immediately went on the offensive again and it was not long before their sustained efforts resulted in a well-deserved try for them. The match continued in much the same way with the Chester forwards gaining ground very well but with the Penrith backs looking dangerous on the few occasions when they had the ball. However, it was Chester that finished the half with a flourish scoring their second try just before the break to put themselves ahead at half time.

Penrith started the second half with more intent and following good work by the forwards the ball was passed amongst the backs with Freddie Pritchard scoring a try for the home team. Patrick Noutch scored the conversion to edge the hosts ahead on points. The Chester team then imposed themselves on the game once again and their own strong forward and back play saw them score a further two tries and one conversion to enable them to build a ten-point lead over Penrith. Undaunted, the home team stuck to their task and despite never dominating this game managed to occasionally release the backs to strike at the Chester defence. From two of these attacks, strong running first from David Whittle and then Patrick Noutch saw them touch down for Penrith to level the score. Chester finished the game on the attack but Penrith managed to hold on and the final result was a well fought 22-22 draw.

Both teams can be commended for playing an entertaining match in good spirit and as usual all members of the Penrith squad played their part in ensuring that the Under 13 team remain unbeaten so far this season.

The Penrith squad consisted of: Patrick Bennett, Lewis Birkbeck, Jake Borgogno, Thomas Broadhead, Greg Cameron, Adam Cutting, Jake Edmondson, Syd Ellwood, Alex Fawcett, Euan Gillespie, Thomas Graham, Thomas Graves, Nathan Hamilton, Myles Harrop, John Hartley, Harry Holme, Ellis Hook, Adam Howe, Jack Huddart, Will Melling, Patrick Noutch, Freddie Pritchard, Fergus Vecqueray, Lewis Watt, David Whittle.