After the 40-32 defeat at Manchester the Penrith players and back-up staff were bitterly disappointed at the result.
They had got themselves into a winning position early in the second half but had not been able to contain a resurgent Manchester team in the final quarter.
Perhaps on reflection, having slept on it, they will be happier with their performance as they gave one of the better sides in the league a real fright on their own ground, a real run for their money and came away with a very valuable four try bonus point.
It didn’t look too good for the visitors conceding a try from a tap penalty close to their line after just five minutes.
But there was then not much between the sides as the Cumbrians got a toe hold in the game but it looked to no avail as they conceded a second converted try on 20 minutes.
The visitors then had a bit of decent possession and field position and threatened themselves but were penalised deep in the home 22.
Manchester cleared to halfway but overthrew at the line-out and George Graham picked up possession at the tail of the line and was away. His run was continued by Scott Lancaster, Sam Wilson and Andy Rogers who found Richy Dadley who had an excellent game.
He ran deep into the 22 and was hauled down just short and Graham was on hand to take the ball and break the last tackle to score. Rob Coward slotted the conversion and Penrith were within seven points.
The home side then came back and restored their lead after kicking a penalty to the corner. The visitors’ pack held up the drive from the line-out but some well worked phases saw them score by the posts.
The visitors then finished the half extremely strongly. The home side were penalised for crossing and the penalty was kicked to within 15 metres of the line.
Wilson secured the ball at the back of the line and the driving maul was set up. Aaron Cavaghan then broke down the short side, ducked under a tackle and sprinted for the line and went in unopposed with Coward again converting.
As the half came to an end Penrith won two quick penalties in the home side’s half, the second was kicked to touch close to the line and again Wilson secured the ball at the tail. They set up a text book catch and drive and Rogers claimed the try at the back of the maul.
Coward again converted and the scores were tied at 21 apiece as the sides changed ends for the second half.
The visitors started the second half as they had finished the first putting the home side under further pressure. They conceded a penalty on the 22 which Coward knocked over to put his side’s nose in front.
The visitors continued to have the better of things, and good work from Nick Dudson running back a kick and then Cavaghan and Matty Boustead earned another penalty that was kicked to the corner.
This time it was Dylan Thompson that claimed the line-out ball but again it was Rogers at the back of the driven maul who crashed over for the try. The conversion off the touchline was the only kick Coward missed all afternoon and shortly after he knocked over a second penalty for a 32-21 lead.
Manchester then came back strongly in the final 20 minutes. They stopped trying to bully the visitors up front and started to move the ball smartly from deep which was much more effective.
They scored a try from a penalty on the Penrith line and then another following a scrum close to the line. The second conversion was missed and they led by an odd point but then scored a converted try from distance to extend the lead to eight points.
The Cumbrians ended the game strongly battering the home line and went close to a score that would have earned them a second bonus point but it didn’t quite happen.
The home side were mightily relieved when they were awarded a penalty in the final play of the game and could kick it to touch to end proceedings.
The bonus point won keeps Penrith out of the relegation zone and their stronger performances of late give hope they can ease further away in what is looking like a massive January for them.
