Penrith's U14 travelled to Davidson Park, Keswick on a glorious sunny morning, with a remarkable view of a snow covered Skiddaw watching over us. It was a bright start from the Penrith lads who took the early initiative with a fine try in the corner from Jack Mason. Nathan Fiddler unfortunately failed to convert the difficult kick. From the restart Penrith again continued to play in the oppositions half, failing to capitalise on this territory Keswick successfully pressurised the Penrith defence to level the score with a try in the corner (5-5)
Penrith composed themselves and played through various phases involving the whole team until Jamie Fawcett took a quick tap penalty close to the Keswick line to drive low and hard to touch down. (10-5) Penrith continued to play in Keswick's half often losing possession through some poor kick and chase tactics. Keswick capitalised on Penrith's missed tackles to score and level the game at (10-10) Penrith needed to respond as Keswick looked to upset the visitors! And it is just what the team did, leading to Mason determined try under the posts, after a high head tackle on the lad! Fiddler converted giving them a 7 point lead at half time (17-10)
After the half time talk by the coaching staff, it was down to the team to deliver. However Keswick were strong and Penrith missed some tackles which meant Keswick levelled the score (17-17)
With a mix of handling errors and missed tackles, it was a combination of Fawcett linking up with Mason to score a fine try. (22-17) As play continued Penrith settled and made more of their chances with winger Mason making a superb break down the wing to wrong foot the Keswick defence, extending the lead to 27-17. Penrith made the next score with great linking play ending in Sam Middleton being awarded the try over fellow club mate Alex Verrall. (32-17)
Team Manager, Judith Lancaster, must have been proud when son Max showed a clean pair of heels and a strong hand off, scoring a great solo try on the wing (37-17) Final score of the match came from a Keswick line-out, Penrith gained possession, Dylan Cowperthwaite showed his characteristic strong and determined running again to score a further 5 points. Game ended with a fine winning margin to Penrith 44-22.