DMPRFC 23 v PENRITH RFC 24

A game of two halves as they say in some quarters.

The first half belonged to Penrith RFC and the second to Park, but the difference was the points accumulated by the visitors in that first half, which ultimately allowed them to vacate Yiewsley Drive with maximum points and probably a sense of relief after a second half battering of their line.

Too many mistakes in Park's defence allowed in four tries before oranges and although Penrith’s backs weren’t bad, we made them look good with a catalogue of basic defensive errors.

The forwards battled away against a big pack and Park weren’t helped with an injury to prop forward Ralph APPLEBY during the warm up, which necessitated a reshuffle.

Two tries by centre Robin EATOUGH gave some hope of parity for the home crowd, one of them in particular, a brilliant solo effort of 60 yards or so, leaving defenders battered and bruised in his wake, as he touched down under the posts.

However, every time we seemed to have levelled, we lost concentration and allowed a reposte, which proved costly and frustrating.

Young stand off Sam ERRINGTON contributed 13 points on a very satisfactory home debut, but it was the first half which ultimately proved to be the home sides downfall.

A constant siege inside the visitors 22 for the majority of the second half unfortunately did not herald much reward for a more determined home side and it was no consolation managing a 6 – 0 score line in that period, as Penrith defended doggedly and saw out the final whistle, much to their relief.

Although the season is not over, Penrith RFC deserve their league standing and all concerned with them can be well satisfied with their return to the National Leagues.

With league status safe, Park pondered what might have been if the six games lost by less than seven points had been reversed and how different their league position would have looked.

Still three games left and no loss of focus to see them out, as a few thoughts turn to next season and whatever lies ahead.