An impressive first outing for Cumbria U18s with a dominant display against Northumberland at Penrith RUFC in front of a good sized crowd.
Tries in the 1st Half from Louie Johnson, Paul Harrison and Max Pearce saw them lead 17-10 at half time.
Johnson gave the home team a confidence boost as he stepped the rush defence on half way before angling his run to score a great individual try after 5 mins.
A left side scrum on the 22m gave Grant Seward a chance to run from No8, after drawing the defence he passed to scrum half Paul Harrison who went through a gap and finished well under the posts converted by Fraser Nicholson.
N’Land had some ball but it was generally untidy with the Cumbria scrum dominant, props Bryn Jeremiah and Nat Mossop to the fore. The defence was aggressive with wing Harry Bibby, 2nd row Luke Broster and back row Will Addyman leading the way.
A dropped pass gave N’Land a chance to get on the scoreboard, winger Will Robinson hacked ahead and touched down converted by Charlie Johnson.
Cumbria responded well, a multi phase attack saw Seward pass wide to Max Pearce, from the breakdown scrum half Hugh Burne made a half break and the ball spun loose for Pearce to pick up and finish well in the corner.
A N’Land penalty by Johnson made the score 17-10 at half time.
Northumberland upped their effort after the break with the wind advantage but the Cumbrian lads team spirit shone through with a passionate defensive spell.
From then on they continued to play well as a team, remarkable considering how little time they have had preparing.
The next try epitomised the team work, gaining a turnover after good counter rucking they went through 6 phases, Seward and Fly Half Billy Thompson going close before Thompson moved the ball wide to Pearce whose quick hands put Nicholson in at the corner.
Try number 5 came from a scrum with Thompson going blind and giving Joe Connelly a chance, with little space he powered through 2 tackles to score.
Connelly finished again minutes later after a backs set play, Gascoynes long pass put him in space and he again beat 2 defenders to score.
The defence did not let up with centre Euan Forlow driving his opposite number into touch, a fine break out of defence gave Bibby a chance to show his pace but his kick ahead went into touch to finish the game.
It was a real squad effort with all players featuring for at least half a game. The coaching team led by Nigel Beaty of Matt Shields, Graham Kidd and Matty Kaye were impressed by the energy and commitment of the players.
Great start but lots to work on for the next match at Preston V Durham on Sun 16th December.
Cumbria Referee Society provided a team of 3 with Referee Tyrone Castles complimented by Northumberland.
Sponsor
Cumbria RU are grateful to sponsor Direct Rail Services. Pictured Chris Connelly (DRS) passing on the match kit to Capt Joe Connelly and Vice Captains Will Addyman and Vince Chan.
Starting Team
1.Bryn Jeremiah Penrith RUFC
2.Vince Chan Penrith RUFC/UCC
3.Nat Mossop Carlisle RUFC/Gosforth HS
4. Luke Broster Cockermouth RUFC/Tyne Met College
5.Brad Langhorn Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC/ QES
6.Will Addyman Keswick RUFC/Keswick School
7.Adrigh Cole Penrith RUFC/Newton Rigg
8.Grant Seward Cockermouth RUFC/Gosforth HS
9.Paul Harrison Austin Friars
10.Louie Johnson Penrith RUFC/QEGS
11.Joe Connelly Penrith RUFC/Austin Friars
12.Jack Gascoyne Egremont RUFC/Keswick School
13.Euan Furlow Carlisle RUFC/Austin Friars
14.Harry Bibby Cockermouth RUFC/Cockermouth School
15.Fraser Nicholson Penrith RUFC/QEGS
Interchanges
Aaron Turnbull Egremont RUFC
Archie Barber Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC/ Gosforth HS
Joe Moore Egremont RUFC/West Lakes Academy
Alex Ryder Kendal RUFC/QKS
Matt LeJuene Egremont RUFC/WLA Hugh Burne Penrith RUFC/UCC Billy Thompson Egremont RUFC
Max Pearce Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC/Dallam
