Away victories could hold the key to progress in North One West – and they’ve been hard to come by so far.
Kendal were the only winners on the opening day – 45-7 at Carlisle, and while the three Cumbrian sides were all winning at home last week, only two away teams were successful in the other four games. So just three wins in 14 games.
The Cumbrian trio should have been on the road tomorrow but Carlisle’s trip to Firwood Waterloo was called off yesterday because of a COVID outbreak at the opposition club.
But Penrith and Kendal do have something to go on regards form as their opponents have both already faced Cumbrian opposition.
Penrith make the relatively short journey to Lancaster to take on Vale of Lune, who were beaten 50-20 at Kendal last week.
Kendal, who start the day top on points differential from Stockport, visit Altrincham Kersal who were beaten 41-35 at Carlisle last week.
Penrith will be looking for their first away win since 2019 and coach Dave Preston has made three changes from the side which beat Douglas last week.
Penrith won well, 48-7 against a not-so-strong Isle of Man side but it’s the old cliche – you can only beat what’s put in front of you.
Josh Dowson comes off the bench to start instead of Adrigh Cole who picked up a shoulder injury last week and will now be out for at least six weeks.
Scrum-half George Graham suffered a similar injury at Stockport in the opening game and will be out until December.
Preston changes his options at second row and starts the vastly experienced Ryan Johnson with Dan Richardson moving to the bench.
He also rotates Craig Tyson and Lee Chapman with Tyson starting and Chapman on the bench.
Dowson among the replacements last week covered both forwards and backs so as he is now starting Nick Dudson is named as a replacement.
Kendal coach Gary Holmes is forced into some changes for the trip to Altrincham with work commitments, imminent births and the end of the cricket season influencing selection.
Nick Carlton misses out through work; Mark Carruthers will play in the 2nds at home because he’s expecting his partner to deliver a baby any time now and cricketer Dan Shorrock is back on the wing.
Jordan Johnston is another unable to travel so he will play in the second team who have a home game with Holmes Chapel.
To fill the vacancies Ross McKay and Alistair Thompson return and will join Tom Moulton on the bench.
There’s also an interesting game on Sunday at Mint Bridge (ko 2pm) when the ladies team, the Wasps, entertain Skipton Roses who will be having their first ever competitive game.
