Penrith had their toughest test to date at Level 5 against a very well organised, quick, slick Manchester side at Winters Park.
It finished 34-17 to the visitors and keeps Penrith at the foot of Regional 1 North West after three games.
The home side went into the game with a number of forced changes and with probably the youngest side they have fielded for years, featuring seven teenagers in the 18 man squad, four of them starting in the forwards.
The visitors started at break-neck speed and pinned the young Penrith side in their own 22. On two occasions they were able to clear their lines when the ball carrier was penalised for hanging onto the ball, but each time they failed to win the line-out after kicking to touch and were immediately back under the cosh.
Unsurprisingly the pressure told and Manchester scored the try their early endeavours deserved. They then scored a second, running back a goal-line drop-out when a chip ahead bounced kindly for them for a soft try.
The visitors were monopolising possession and although the Cumbrians were tackling and defending bravely at this stage they were being given a bit of a lesson.
On the half hour Manchester scored a third try from a five metre scum and just before the break added a fourth from an attacking line-out ten metres out.
Penrith then got their hands on the ball and finished the half with a flourish, They forced a penalty close to the visitors’ line and opted for the scrum as they were getting the upper hand in the set piece.
Archie Rattray broke from number eight and almost made the line but after the forwards had several pick and goes the ball was spread left and quick hands from Joe Spencely and Matty Boustead gave Jack Tunnicliffe enough room to go over in the corner.
Penrith trailed 24-5 at the break but lessened the gap just after half time when good pressure again saw them gain field position and the put in to a five metre scrum.
This time Rattray made no mistake off the back of the scrum, showing his strength and powered his way through the traffic for a converted try.
The visitors then missed a penalty shot and almost scored after charging down a home drop out before adding a fifth try after a period of expansive play.
The home side did not take this lying down and came back with a third try. Former Silloth forward Joe Kirkup, on debut, was able to force his way over the line after a period of possession deep in the 22.
The home side then mounted another assault on the visitors’ line and won four penalties but could not force their way over.
A try then would have put them within one score and in line for a couple of bonus points but it was not to be.
The visitors were perhaps lucky not to have received a card or two during this passage of play but they didn’t, and went on to add another try in the final minutes to complete a comprehensive win.
The home side had not disgraced themselves by any means and all the youngsters had acquitted themselves well.
It bodes well for the future but just at present they could do with one or two old heads back for their experience and game management.
