U14 - MOWDEN FINISH THE SEASON ON RUN OF 11 WINS

It was always going to be a tough game. Only 2 points separated the sides in a narrow victory for Mowden in Penrith last November. It is true that the Mowden team had made great strides forward since then but clearly so had Penrith, crowning their season with a victory in the Cumbrian Cup Final last week.

Mowden were missing a few players with Callum Oakes still injured from the Thirsk game and Ollie Cooper and Alfie Wilson unavailable the team was down to 18 players on a hard pitch (though well covered with grass).

The pitch was bathed in glorious sunshine and apart from strong and chilly wind, it was a day made for running rugby. However, as Penrith ran out it was obvious that the Mowden forwards would be in for a real battle. Although no taller than the Mowden lads, the scrum advantage must have been at least 5 or 6 kg per man.

But it was Mowden who gained the advantage in the first scrum with the front row of Simon Shepherd, Max Harrison and Connor Noble pushing Penrith back allowing Mowden backs to attack a static Penrith back line forcing a line out on the Penrith 10m line. Joe Craggs stole the ball, the forwards surged upfield before releasing the ball to Gordon Thompson. The ball was quickly moved to Jonny Teague who, seeing nothing on, blasted a hole through the back line before setting the ball back. Tamer Fuat was immediately there in support and Mowden’s agile second row of Michael Hall and Dom Gibson were there next to drive over and release fast ball. Mark Wilson saw the chance of an overlap and moved the ball right to John Payne. He timed his pass perfectly to Elliot Wanless who sprinted down the touchline around any tacklers to score close to the posts.

Tamer made light of the difficult wind to make the conversion and in less than five minutes Mowden were 7 points up.

Mowden kept up the early pressure when a quick penalty gave the ball to John who broke two tackles before releasing to Mark Harsley in support who made his own surge for the line before Penrith finally brought the move to an end by forcing him into touch.

But Penrith were not going to roll over and made the most of a seemingly endless series of scrums given in their favour. The heavier forwards secured ball and to give the back line the opportunity to display a number of prepared moves. But time after time the Mowden back line of Joe and Tom Lawson as flankers and No 8 Sam Lorimer brought the moves to a shuddering halt with powerful tackles.

Penrith pressure brought them close to the Mowden line. Mowden were penalised for offside at the ruck and Penrith set themselves up to barge over for a try. Mowden had other ideas and great defence by Simon and Max kept them out only for Penrith to be awarded another penalty. This time Connor and Dom did the honours. Another penalty and more heroic defence by Sam and Tom. Five or six times Mowden fought Penrith away from the try line only for their hard work to be undone by decisions by the referee.

Finally finding no way through Penrith shot a quick tap to the fly-half who ran a good line to squeeze over for a try. Penrith converted to make the score 7 all.

Towards the end of the first half the Mowden scrum began to exert some real pressure again, allowing Tamer to catch his man standing still with the ball. Tamer knocked him over and Jonny, as the second man in, quickly robbed the Penrith player. Mark W saw that Mark H had come off his left wing to create an opportunity on the right. He slipped the ball to Mark H who made ground before passing to John who out-sprinted the defenders scoring under the posts for an easier conversion for Tamer.

There were two more incidents in the short period before half time. Firstly Joe had to come off after receiving a blow to the head and he was replaced at flanker by Ryan Hall. Secondly Mowden nearly added to their score. Mowden lost a scrum but Tom was quickly on hand with a tackle. Michael ripped the ball clear and Gordon sent the ball right as Elliot Wanless ran a great attacking line to sear through Penrith. Unfortunately Elliot was slowed by three players hanging onto him and eventually was hauled up just short of the line. The referee blew his whistle for half time.

Half-time Mowden 14 Penrith 7

Shortly after the restart Mowden suffered another injury blow when Tom was tackled dangerously high and had to leave the pitch.

Mowden stuck the task and soon improved the lead. Following another powerful run by John the ball went loose. Jonny recovered it and Mark W moved it wide to the left. Elliot was left with some room on his own 10m line and didn’t waste the opportunity sprinting all the way through to the try-line for an individual score. Tamer made sure of the conversion.

James Maclintock came on as hooker as Max went to flanker and Matty Warr came in on the wing.

As the game wore on it appeared that Penrith’s heavier guys were tiring and Mowden started to get the nudge on in the scrum giving James the chance for some clean strikes at his own and the opposition’s ball.

However Penrith were aided by further penalties and in a repeat of the first half began to gain ground until they were again on the Mowden try-line. More tremendous tackling by Ryan, Joe, Dom amongst others kept them out for a while but eventually Penrith heaved the ball over for a score that was quickly converted.

The home spectators were expecting final five minutes of nerve wracking defence but Mowden took the game back to Penrith and nearly scored from a rare penalty that was taken quickly and moved wide with the ball failing to go to hand at the vital moment. Matty also had a good run but just couldn’t round the final player.

The match ended with Mowden in the ascendency as Mark W booted the ball into touch to end the game.

Final score Mowden 21 Penrith 14

Perhaps this was not our most fluent performance of the season but it was a good win over very tough opposition. Our defence kept us in the game at times and everyone should be proud of their performance in that regard. Good work also in the rucks and mauls. Getting there quickly and in number meant that we enjoyed many turnovers and the backs showed what they can do with the ball and some space! Some things to work on but that shouldn’t detract from a hard-won victory!

Congratulations to everyone on a magnificent season. Enjoy the short rest before fitness training starts in a couple of weeks or so.