Carlisle just fell short of the mark today, although there could be no faulting their effort, as they came desperately close to snatching a win at the death.

Carlisle started well enough keeping Blaydon pinned in their half for the first few minutes of the half. However a Blaydon penalty for a line out in Carlisle territory, gave them field position inside the Carlisle 22, and eventually fly half Ryan Foreman found a gap to go through for Blaydon's first converted try.
Carlisle struck back quickly from the restart. Captain Henry Wainwright collected the ball in his half and made inroads down the left wing. Although he was dragged down in the 22, second row James Brocket was in close support all the way, and taking the offload, stepped the last defender to go over for Carlisle's first try, converted by Jason Israel.

Carlisle took heart from this foray, and Blaydon were pinned in their half for much of the next 10mins, as Carlisle tried to break the visitors defence down. A quick lineout taken by Max Connon put Jason Israel in space down the right, but the ball spilled as he reached clear of the visitors defence, with the tryline beckoning.

Blaydon were quick to counterattack from the resulting scrum, but the Carlisle defence held firm, and soon the home side were pushing Blaydon back into their half. A sustained period of pressure inside the Blaydon 22 came to naught as a Carlisle player was caught holding on and they were able to gain some territory back from the kick to touch.

Carlisle had to be on their toes to keep Blaydon out, as quick ball gave the Blaydon fullback time to dance through the home defence and offloading to the winger allowed them to camp inside the Carlisle 5m line. Fortunately prop Josh Holmes latched on to a loose ball and turned defence into attack to turn Blaydon around.

Then a penalty to Carlisle allowed them to secure a lineout on the Blaydon 10m line. With the ball fed across the backs, first Max Connon and then Matt Shields took the ball deep into Blaydon territory and an offload to Dan Holmes, gave him the easiest of walk-ins under the post for Carlisle's second converted try on 36mins.

Then time stood still, or it appeared to, as Blaydon with less than a minute on the clock, managed to move the ball out of their 22, and after many phases(and minutes) drove over for a late equalising try to go into the changing rooms at half time, 14-14.

Carlisle started the second half with the same intensity as the first, keeping Blaydon pinned into their territory for long periods. Yet Blaydon looked dangerous on the counterattack, and were keen to use the width as much as possible. This proved to be the undoing of Carlisle, as on 53 minutes, as they were attacking the visitors defence, the ball was lost in contact. Blaydon attacked at pace switching play to the right, where they found space to go over for their third, the conversion attempt clattering off the post.

Five minutes later they managed to rob the ball off Carlisle as the home side were attacking in strength, and swiftly moving the ball across the backs found space to go through the retreating Carlisle side and over for their bonus point try under the posts.

Suddenly Carlisle found themselves 12 points adrift, yet they kept their cool, built the phases, moved deep into Blaydon territory,and secured a try from Chris Auld from a quick tap penalty inside their 5m line.

With 10mins to go, there was nothing in this game, with both sides looking for an opportunity to land the killer blow. Unfortunately it was Blaydon who took their chance, after a penalty gave them territory deep inside the Carlisle half, mauled the ball from the lineout and after a number of phases, managed to go over for their fifth try to go 31-21 ahead.

With now less than 8 mins on the clock Carlisle threw everything at Blaydon, and scrum half James Telford managed to dive over after some punishing pick and gos from the forwards, with less than a minute on the clock.
Quickly taking a drop goal conversion allowed sufficient time for the restart with only 5 points the difference.

Carlisle battered their way towards the Blaydon try line from the restart, and only some desperate defending by Blaydon kept Carlisle out. However despite going through many phases of play, Blaydon somehow managed to turn the ball over under their posts, kicking it off the park to their obvious relief.

Carlisle matched the league's second place side across the park, and the only difference was Blaydon's ability to counterattack at pace and strength, with their back line very dangerous with ball in hand. There could be no faulting Carlisle's endeavour and commitment, and had the second half lasted as long as the first, then perhaps Carlisle might have secured the necessary winning points.They kept 15 on the park today, and it showed that helps a lot in matching any side in this league

A disappointing end to 2019 but two points against second place Blaydon are not to be sniffed at.
Having played everyone in this league now, Carlisle finish the first half of the season in 9th place on 28 points, 5 points clear of Rossendale and 4 points behind Blackburn. Having got the measure of the sides in this league, there are few who should hold any real worries for Carlisle. Although some scores suggest otherwise, in the main Carlisle have been very competitive for long periods against some of the higher placed sides.
The players should feel confident going into 2020, that they are more than capable of holding their own in this league, and know that many sides they have lost to, are beatable.

Many thanks to Neil and Claire Wainwright, Match sponsors, and to Helen Arthur Consulting for sponsoring the matchball. We hope you enjoyed the day.

We begin again on the 4th of January with an away trip to Ilkley, and your support is appreciated.

Wishing you all the best for the Festive season and a Happy 2020 when it comes.