Match report Carlisle v Penrith II

A new season. Different teams, and shorter distances to travel than we've been used to for a while. It was important that Carlisle made a statement of intent as they begin to rebuild after slipping down the leagues, and they certainly did that.

The game got off to fast start on a warm Autumn afternoon, with Josh Holmes and Nathan Greenhow crossing the line within 5 minutes, countered by a Penrith penalty. The home side looked very confident with the ball, and much the sharper of the two sides, although the visitors tested the home defence on occasion.

On the half hour mark Captain Holmes once again drove through the Penrith defence for his second try, converted by Jason Israel, and it was only a poor pass, scooped up by Penrith, that allowed them to get their first try just before half time.
Half time 21-10 and Carlisle were well worth it.

The second half was no less entertaining with centre Max Kirton hitting a lovely line, to score the bonus point just 3 minutes in.
Hooker Tom Graham then got in on the act 6 minutes later with what will probably end up in the bar as a 60m sprint and two dummies, for the fifth try, though granted he did have to show a remarkable turn of foot to break through the visitors defence.

The crowd had barely time for another drink, when Rory Parish found space on the left for the sixth try, and by now the game had gone from the visitors.

A lack of concentration from the restart and a steal by Josh Dowson gave the visitors their second try a minute later, but it was not enough to spark a resurgence by Penrith.

Josh Holmes got his hat trick on 58 minutes and Nathan Greenhow capped off a barnstorming performance with his second on the hour mark, to finish the scoring for the day. Both sides were starting to show fatigue from the pace of the game and the heat, and though no less entertaining, the match finished without further scores, Carlisle deserved 54-17 winners.

What did we learn? Carlisle certainly haven't lost power in the pack and the welcome return of Rory Parish, James Brocket, and new signing Tommy Dixon added extra grunt, with Penrith unable to cope in the set piece. The backline looked sharper and more confident than last season, with the centre partnership of Greenhow and Kirton combining well, and the scoreline will give Carlisle the confidence to go forward this season as they look to secure a quick return to level 6. If they play like this all season the paying supporters will certainly get their monies worth in entertainment value.