The whole Penrith contingent that travelled to Leek came home extremely disappointed with their afternoon’s efforts after a 40-14 defeat.
This was a side they had put over 60 points past earlier in the season, who had only one win to their name prior to the game and yet – they won convincingly.
That said, they had had some encouraging home performances running some of the better placed sides in the table close but hadn’t managed a win other than against rock bottom Birkenhead Park who have yet to win a game.
The home side were on top from the start but the Penrith defence was up to the task early on and although they denied their hosts any try scoring opportunities they were conceding penalties.
Two were head on to the posts on about the 22 and both were successfully kicked for a six-point lead. They then took on a much longer effort which also sailed over to extend the lead to nine points.
The visitors were putting the effort in but were unable to put the home side under any sort of pressure or create any momentum as they kept making simple mistakes.
There were far too many handling errors with dropped passes and the ball being lost in contact.
It was a miserable wet afternoon and conditions underfoot were slippery and far from perfect but that was no excuse.
They couldn’t put more than three or four phases together without handing the ball back to the home side who were lapping it up and all the momentum was with them.
Leek then did score a deserved converted try following a sweeping move and pulled out their lead to 16-0.
In their two previous games the Cumbrians had found themselves trailing early on and come back strongly and for a short while it looked as if it might happen again when they were awarded a penalty for a high tackle.
Isaac Murray kicked it to the corner where Craig Price found Ant Davies at the ensuing line-out.
The forwards drove for the line and there were strong runs from Liam McAvoy, Adam Howe and then George Graham before Archie Rattray used all his strength from close quarters and forced his way over. Murray converted and the visitors looked back in the game.
Unfortunately for them it only lasted until the re-start. No-one took control and the kick was allowed to bounce and roll towards touch.
It was then flung back aimlessly infield and ran loose in the 22 with the home attackers bearing down and a five metre scrum was conceded.
Leek were dominant at the set piece and took advantage of steady ball for a second converted try and a 21-7 lead.
They held this lead until the break but if the visitors thought things were going to improve in the second half they were sadly mistaken.
To their credit the home side never let their concentration slip and try as the visitors might they couldn’t break their stranglehold on the game.
The hosts kept their energy levels high and were rewarded with three further tries and a well-deserved victory.
Penrith did get a consolation try, and that’s all it was with the final play of the game.
They ran a penalty in the Leek 22 and after several forward drives the ball came to the backs and Mike Fearon hit the gap to score but it was far too little too late.
They will have to step up their game against Manchester at home this Saturday if they are to get anything from it.
