Hi Guys,

Rugby date 10/4/10 home against Penrith score 19-24

Disappointment at Ramsgreave

The pain of this defeat was etched on every players face after the final whistle blew, stunned disbelief that we managed to boss the game for so long and yet walk off the pitch defeated. The best looking side we have fielded for ages were shocked as the final whistle blew and every man knew that we let a golden opportunity slide, it seemed that the visitors resilience and hunger for promotion gave them a edge and doggedness we lacked. Maybe disbelief that we pressurised the Penrith 22 for the majority of the first half, controlling the set plays with a pack that stood strong and firm. We ruled the line out and the scrum working well, and yet managed to cough up the ball at the break down with an annoying frequency. However the backs who where given the ball at every opportunity managed to run in two early tries with a conversion from fullback Henning. Mike Doherty scoring the opener followed by Matt Elston, both from the wings, it seemed that we really wanted it. Maybe the early scores where to be our downfall, as we stated to loose a bit of discipline and where punished with a number of penalties, awarded by the referee playing his first senior game. The dicisions may not of been right but we have to play what the ref awards, and react better. Penrith twice tapping and going to score whilst we bickered about the dicision. It was a simple fact that the visitors reacted to penalties quicker and better than we did.

The boys realising that we where in a game battled strong and soon where pressurising the visitors line again, a penalty move using Jessie just narrowly going close. but giving a second penalty very soon after, with the ageing scrumhalf Brady showing his silky skills. Selling the biggest dummie ever to the Penrith defence and sailing under the posts unchallenged. the conversion coming from the boot of center Eddy Holden. It was soon aft3er as we pushed hard to score again, not taking the chances created with some superb runs from Nick Archer in the center combining well with stand off Jim Colman. But then disaster as penrith intercepted a pass and ran 95 yards to score under the posts. This was the nail in the coffin and even though the second half was pretty scoreless just a penalty kick from Penrith. We never managed to put the game away, even though we managed again to dominate in every possible way. It was a case of having the ball and the territory just not taking the Chances created.

So we look forward to welcoming Garstang to Ramsgreave next weekend and they are top of the league, but we owe them one as we went so close at their place. It would be great to get the win against them and as this week showed we have the skill, just need to finish the chances off. So availability as soon as possible please guys. And remember training on Thursday night.

Yours disappointingly Carlos(captain).