SO MUCH EFFORT AND SO LITTLE TO SHOW

Team Sheet:1. Dan Stafford, 2. Phil Buckley, 3. Anthony Probert, 4. Jez Lamb, 5.Steve Fox, 6. Jon Harris, 7. Andy Moore, 8. Kati Tui'pulotu, 9. Ali Child, 10. Dan Naylor, 11. Vinny Dutton, 12.Chris Dale, 13. Ian Murray, 14. Sion Williams, 15. Jim Yarranton
Substitutes:16. John Williams, 17. Josh Bates, 18. Lee Brogan

Report by Doug Thorpe

Although putting in a very much improved performance compared with last week’s showing the Blues are still having a serious problem in repeating the success enjoyed against Kendal a week earlier. They were beaten by a workman like Penrith by two tries, both converted, and two penalty goals to three unconverted tries.

The Blues forwards are working well. Jez Lamb and Steve Fox dominated the line out as well as making their contribution in the field, props Dan Stafford and Tony Probert gave no ground at all and the back row of Andy Moore, Kati and Jon Harris were equally effective as ball carriers or in a defensive role. As a pack they secured overall possession of the ball and were the main driving force for ensuring that the game was played at least 70% in the opponents half. The forwards scored all the New Brighton points with two tries by Kati and the third by Phil Buckley, all three as a result of forward pressure.

The backs are under pressure to get the points on the board but, despite considerable endeavour, they were not able to produce the goods. More self confidence in their own ability and a re-assessment of the tactics employed may be a way forward. Chris Dale is a big powerful centre but even he will not barge his way through the middle of a massed defense up the centre of the field.

New Brighton put Penrith under pressure from the kick off and were unfortunate not to score in the first minute from a penalty as the ball drifted wide. The Blues continued to attack and it was totally against the run of play that a break out by wing Conrad Jansen and a kick ahead put Dan White in for a try converted by Jansen giving Penrith a 7 points lead on 10 minutes. A penalty from 40 metres for a front row offence increased that lead to 10 points on 20 minutes. Although with noses in front, the Penrith defense had been under strain without yielding for most of the half and it was only after a serious battering on the half time whistle that Phil Buckley forced a way over to get the Blues off the mark. So much effort and so little to show was the assessment of the travelling fans.

Half Time Score: Penrith 10 – 10 New Brighton

A try by Kati three minutes after half time raised the spirits and brought the scores level. A typical penalty kick to the corner and a lineout catch and drive being the best scoring option for the Blues and it worked like clockwork.

During a period of sustained attack G. Young crossed for Penrith on fifty five minutes to restore a lead which the reliable Jansen increased with a conversion.

Kati reduced the deficit to 2 points with an unconverted try on sixty eight minutes after another classic lineout catch and drive but three minutes later Jansen was again on target with a penalty and with less than 10 minutes remaining it was clear that it was all over.

Kati was presented with the Man of the Match award for another determined display, leading by example and for scoring 2 tries.

Another frustrating day for the Blues but the foundations are there and there good reason to be optimistic.

Final score: Penrith 20 – 15 New Brighton

Next 1st XV Home Game and Past Players Lunch
4th November K.O. 3.00 p.m.
v Stockport

Next Week: 28th October, 2nd XV Home
Blackburn
K.O. 3.00 pm