On Sunday 18th March the Penrith under 13 squad travelled the short distance to Kirkby Stephen for their away match against Upper Eden. A close encounter at home earlier in the season indicated that this would be another tough match with Upper Eden keen to gain revenge for their previous narrow defeat.

It was the home side who got off to the best start keeping the visitors pinned back in their own half with good phases of play. The Penrith tackling was equal to the task however, and they held firm until their strong defensive play forced a loose pass which was picked up by Liam Trevaskis who then ran from the halfway line, fending off a couple of challenges, to cross for the first score of the match. Upper Eden almost immediately hit back with a try of their own but after this the Penrith forwards then began to win the battles at the rucks and mauls and this presented the backs with the opportunity to show their handling and running skills. Straight running committed the home defenders and skilful passing enabled players running at pace to exploit the gaps created to enable first Freddie Pritchard and then Patrick Noutch to score for the away team to give them a half time lead of 15-5.

In the second half the visiting pack continued to drive the team forward and when called upon every Penrith player was firm in the tackle, not allowing Upper Eden to settle into their game. A strong run from David Whittle saw him score a try early on in the second half but a determined Upper Eden team replied with a score of their own. Effective use of the Penrith squad allowed players with fresh legs to make a difference to the match and following a second try from David Whittle a charging run from Thomas Graves enabled him to score and push the away team further in front on the scoreboard. As the game neared the end a further try from David Whittle, which he converted, and a final try from Patrick Noutch, which he then also converted, brought the final score to 44-10 in favour of Penrith.

The whole Penrith under 13 squad put in a very determined and commendable performance and more than matched their opponents, who are renowned for having strong forwards, in the rucks and mauls. Fierce tackling prevented their opponents from building any momentum and excellent running was rewarded with try scoring opportunities in a good spirited match between two good teams.

The Penrith squad consisted of: Patrick Bennett, Lewis Birkbeck, Jake Borgogno, Thomas Broadhead, Ben Dixon, Syd Ellwood, Euan Gillespie, Thomas Graves, Nathan Hamilton, Myles Harrop, Ellis Hook, Adam Howe, Jack Huddart, Will Melling, Patrick Noutch, Alex Pantechis, Freddie Pritchard, Kyle Ryder, Keegan Shaw, Liam Trevaskis, Fergus Vecqueray, Lewis Watt, David Whittle.