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Defeat, Down but not out

CARLISLE 20 PTS V PENRITH 28 PTS

Wednesday, 29th April 2009

The adventure in the Cumbria Cup came to an end at Bower Park, Aspatria on 29th April.  Disappointing though defeat is, the Carlisle players can hold their heads high after what was a magnificent display in front of an admiring crowd.  Neutrals in the crowd were surprised at the quality of the play from both sides, but seemed especially taken by the developing skill of the youngsters in the city team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skipper Steve Stamper led a team into battle,  well prepared by Richard Metcalf and his coaching team, and they too can take pride in the team that has been fashioned together with an eye to the future.  The blend of experience and precocious youth can go into next season full of optimism, but in the knowledge that there will be someone breathing down their necks for a place in the team.  The camerarderie and competition for a place in the team has been healthy and long may it be so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Penrith may have added the Cumbria Cup to their North 2 East title but they were made to work more than hard for their second item of silverware by a spirited and capable Carlisle side.  Two tries in the space of a few minutes just before half time, proved to be the crucial scores in what was generally an even and entertaining final.

Those two converted tries pushed out the Penrith lead to 22 – 8, which proved to be a match winning advantage.

For despite more territory and possession than their N2E rivals in the second half, Carlisle just couldn’t do enough although they outscored Penrith 12 – 6.

Late on as they chased the game, Carlisle’s sharp, exciting young backs created two or three good running opportunities but but on each occasion a little bit of experience let them down.

On the basis of what they showed on the night, however, both sides have a solid bedrock of youngsters which promises much for the future of both clubs.

The game got off to an explosive start on a perfect Bower Park pitch with a try each in the opening five minutes.

Penrith struck first when strong forward pressure on the Carlisle line finally saw Jali use his power to bundle his way over.  Wood hit the crossbar with the conversion attempt.

But Carlisle drew level in their first serious attack on five minutes, Max Connon put in a little grubber kick for his winger Kieron Little to get on the end of.

Little tried to hack on again but it fell conveniently into the path of Connon who swooped to score in the corner.  Glen Weightman pulled the conversion wide.

 
Carlisle tried to maintain the early tempo but some shrewd kicking by Wood put Penrith back in the ascendency and strong pressure under the Carlisle posts eventually warranted a penalty from the referee, Martin Denvir.  Wood put it over.

But Carlisle responded well again and with Lee Brumpton and Matt Charters influential and lively figures in the city pack they enjoyed a spell of pressure themselves, and they too were awarded a penalty which Weightman put across to level the scores on twenty nine minutes.

 

 But the game changed dramatically with those two tries in the closing minutes of the first period to suddenly put Penrith firmly in control, fourteen points to the good at the interval.

After the break Carlisle needed to score first to give them encouragement for the second half and they probably didn’t make inroads as soon as they would have liked.  They had good pressure on the Penrith line and got over three times without being able to ground the ball properly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both sides started to make substituions by the time the breaktrhough came on fifty six minutes.  Good foraging by the Carlisle forwards prompted by replacement lock Martin Grealish and skipper Steve Stamper ended with Aidan Day crashing over for the try that Weightman converted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was game on again, but Penrith rallied well and when Wood was taken out by a late challenge he received treatment and then got up to pop over the penalty.  He put over another penalty with nine minutes remaining, a crucial kick which virtually closed-out the game at 28-15.

But Carlisle weren’t finished.  The marauding Matt Shields – and the evidence of his spell as a replacement he is clearly one to watch for the future – almost set up a try for Chris Harris and twice young Connon couldn’t hold on to passes in mid field when slicing through with menace as Penrith looked vulnerable.  When they did finally score it was too late – Weightman’s failed cpnversion attempt was the last action of the game after Shields had touched down after linking well with Ben Blain and Connon.

 

MORE ACTION SHOTS FROM THE MATCH:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE CARLISLE SQUAD

 15        Max Connon
14        Ben Blain (Dan Holmes)
13        Chris Harris
12        Liam Nicholls
11        Kieron Little
10        Glen Weightman
9          George Graham (Ben Blain)
1          Steve Stamper (Captain)
2          Tom Graham
3          Martin McGimpsey (Matt Shields)
4          Aidan Day
5          Gareth Wylie (Martin Grealish)
6          Bobby Sherlock
7          Matt Charters
8          Lee Brumpton
16        Matt Shields
17        Martin Grealish
18        Mark Allan
19        Ross Olney
20        James Armiger
21        Dan Holmes
22        Matt Davis

STAR MAN

On a night when so many gave so much, no individual nomination was made.

THE WHOLE SQUAD – WELL DONE.

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Furness burn at hands of Crusaders

Saturday, 25th April 2009

Cumbria Vase 1/4 Final

The Crusaders travelled to the Strawberry Ground at Barrow on 25th April to play their Cumbria Vase quarter final tie against Furness.  An emphatic victory made it a double for Carlisle, with the senior XV victorious at Wigton.

They romped home thanks to eleven tries and five conversions to secure a place in the semi final, although we don’t yet know who our opponents are.

Tries by;

Chris Kelloch (2)
F.Dixon (2)
Matt Rogers (2) and 4 conversions also
Ian Watson (1)
Martin Plummer (1)
Matt Henderson (1) and 1 conversion
Adam Spiers (1)
Duncan (1)

 

 

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George Perkins

Members will be sad to learn of the sudden death whilst on holiday in Lanzarote, of George Perkins.

George, a former player, and a teacher at the former NCTC in Harraby was on holiday with his wife and had just been swimming when he died.

We express our sincere condolences to his wife and family on their sad loss.

At the time of writing funeral details were not available  -  keep your eyes peeled in the local press.

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Wigton Challenge Snuffed Out

Saturday, 25th April 2009

The scoreboard at Lowmoor Road rarely displays emphatic defeat for the home side. This eagerly awaited clash between Wigton and Carlisle in the Cumbria Cup semi-final perhaps did not reach the expectations off many, particularly the “Greens” supporters, who had hoped for more from their heroes!

 

Gradually rebuilding their team and after challenging for promotion through the play offs for much of the season, Wigton offerred only limited resistance to a Carisle team that has gradually been refashioned over the season with the introduction of several youngsters emerging from the club development programme.

Wigton, with a long and illustrious cup history tried to make a game of it in the first half and managed to limit the damage to 10 pts to 3 pts at the break, althougth their only real threat looked like coming from their line out domination, and Tane Manihera kicked incessantly for the left hand corner in the hope that his forwards could breach the Carlisle defence from ensuing line outs.  It was all in vain though, because the visiting defence held firm, clearly determined that it was to be their day!

The reality was Wigton never looked likely to score a try.

With the Carlisle pack dominating proceedings, securing ample ball for the half back pairing of George Graham and Glen Weightman to feed a threequarter line that was always looked menacing.  Centres, veteran Liam Nicholls and young Chris Harris as well as being solid in dealing with the occasional Wigton adventure, got their wingmen down their lines regularly.

Carlisle opened their account with a wide penalty in the opening minute from Weightman, but had to wait until the midway point of the half for their first try when 17 year old Kieron Little waltzed down the left for a touchdown, with Weightman getting the conversion points,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wigton managed a three point penalty just before the break from Manihera.

After the break, Carlisle really turned up the power with a good display of attacking rugby, causing the home defence all sorts of problems. Weightman increased his tally with a penalty shortly after the kick off.   The pack worked tirelessly for possession, although within three minutes of the restart they lost pivot Lee Brumpton with an ankle injury.  The resulting reshuffle of the pack was did little to give Wigton any glimmer of hope!  Martin Grealish came off the bench to partner Aidan Day in the second row; Gareth Wylie moved to the open side flank, allowing Matt Charters to fill the void left by Brumpton’s departure.

Settling down to the new formation, Carlisle continued to worry the Lowmoor Road outfit, and any domination they may have had in the line outs was neutered with the arrival of Grealish who was disruptive.

 

At forty seven minutes fly half Weightman was adding another three points from a penalty and from then on it was a display of flowing rugby from the Carlisle back division that Wigton were unable to counter.

 

Central midfield was the setting with outside centre, Chris Harris offloading the ball to right winder, Ben Blain who left the defence in  his wake to touch down for a Weightman conversion.

Midway through the half it was Blain again who intercepted well in his own half during a rare Wigton attack, and raced upfield for his second try of the match but Weightman missed his only kick of the game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scrum half George Graham took a knock and left the field as precaution, with Carlisle confident that they had the tools on the bench to continue the job.  Blain moved to scrum half with Dan Holmes coming on to join the fray.

Again, the changes had little effect on the efficiency of the Carlisle game and within minutes, Harris forced his way through the defence for a touch down.  Weightman converted.

Carlisle were confident that the game was in the bag and then brought on all their remaining replacement from the 22 man squad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A satisfactory performance by Carlisle that will give them a lot of heart going into the final at Aspatria on Wednesday night, although they realise that Penrith will pose a different challenge.  With each side winning their home game in North 2 East League, both sides will be eager for the bonus result!

A great team effort from the whole squad made  it hard to opt for the star man, but centre Chris Harris took the honour.

STAR MAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUAL RUNNERS UP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

along with Ben Blain (picture in body of report).

TEAM V WIGTON

15        Max Connon (James Armiger)
14        Ben Blain (Dan Holmes)
13        Chris Harris
12        Liam Nicholls (Ross Olney)
11        Kieron Little
10        Glen Weightman
9          George Graham (Ben Blain)
1          Steve Stamper (Captain) (John Warwick)
2          Tom Graham
3          Martin McGimpsey
4          Aidan Day
5          Gareth Wylie (Martin Grealish)
6          Bobby Sherlock
7          Matt Charters (Gareth Wylie)
8          Lee Brumpton (Matt Charters) (Matt Davis)
16        John Warwick
17        Martin Grealish
18        Matt Davis
19        Dan Holmes
20        Ross Olney
21        James Armiger

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Administrator Vacancy

NORTH 2 EAST LEAGUE

Terry Owen-Smith who has been a first class league secretary for North 2 East League has been “promoted” to National League 3 North for next season.  Hence, there is a vacancy for secretary of North 2 East.

Anyone interested in taking on this role is asked to contact Terry in the first instance and he will be glad to supply details of what the job entails.

Contact Terry on terry@owensmith.f2s.com

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Crusaders draw at Penrith

Saturday, 18th April 2009

The Crusaders travelled to Winters Park and came away with a draw having led for most of the game and allowing the hosts to draw level in the closing minutes of the match.

Scorers for Crusaders:

Tries:        Chris Kelloch (1)

                  Franny Dixon (1)

                  Ian Watson (1)

Cons:        Matt Rogers (1)

Pens:        Matt Rogers (1)

On 25th April the Crusaders travel to Furness to play a game in the Cumbria Vase.

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Plummer Scores!

 

Chairman of rugby, Martin Plummer has scored without kicking a ball today – 21st April.

Congratulations to Martin and wife Emma, who gave birth to Benjamin Marcus, weighing in at 8lbs 1oz just before noon.

 

Mother and baby both well after the little blighter kept them waiting as he was a couple of weeks late  -  obviously going to be like his dad!

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Cougars v Sheffield

 

The Cougars played host to high fliers Sheffield yesterday in glorious Cumbrian weather – better suited for spectators than players! This was a big match for both sides, with Sheffield looking to end their season on a high and Carlisle looking to redeem the score line from the away leg of the fixture (53-13) and maintain their winning streak since the Christmas break.

The match began on equal terms, with both teams slogging it out for territory in the midfield. The first quarter brought no points, though both sides looked on for a number of tries. A couple of break away runs from Captain and prop Lucy Meadley and propping partner Sam Meakin failed to conclude at the try line. Similarly, Sheffield’s breaks were denied that end with some crucial saving tackles and defensive work from Flanker Belinda Lloyd (Coach’s Player). Both sides competed vigorously at the breakdowns, and Carlisle should have turned over more ball given the dominance of their forwards, who were able to win a number of Sheffield put-ins in the scrums. Sloppy play and careless hands meant loose ball was rife and Sheffield were better able to take advantage of it. 

Conditions favoured a kicking game, and fly half Lisa Ritchie was able to clear play into the opposition half where the pressure was piled on. Two five metre scrums right of the Sheffield posts should have yielded the first try for the home side, but the visitors defence proved impenetrable. Sheffield took the box kick which bounced favourably for oncoming centre Laura Cunningham (Player’s Player) who took it, catching the opposition defence off guard and was able to run her way over the try line touching down left of the posts. Ritchie converted.

Sheffield retaliated with a try out on the wing which remained unconverted, giving the Cougars a slight lead. But the home side knew a mere conversion would not be enough against a team as strong as Sheffield, so the pressure was back on. At the restart, the Cougars were back up in the visitors half, winning another penalty scrum under the sticks. Sheffield gave all they had and were able to resist the drive from the Cougars. Quick ball from the back of the scrum was sent along the line with the cut back inside from Cunningham who flew through the gap and touched down on the right giving the Cougars a seven point lead. The advantage was short lived though with the visitors answering back with another try on the far left just before the close of the first half, settling the half-time score at equal pegging.

The first ten minutes of the second half were inexplicable. Both teams were unrecognisable from the previous forty minutes. Sheffield exploded out of the blocks with a mystifyingly easy try up the right wing straight off from the kick off. Carlisle looked on in puzzlement. The Yorkshire outfit played tactically, turning the match into a decidedly backs orientated game. Over the next ten minutes, the visitors put down an astonishing four tries, much to the embarrassment and confusion of the home side. Their defensive line was non-existent and the pack were unable to exert their power with such quick ball being played through hands. Carlisle were in disarray.

Pulling themselves together after a confounding initial quarter, the Cougars were finally able to get possession and hold on to it. The match began to resemble that of the first half, with vigorous competition at the break downs and more aggressive attempts to break the Sheffield line. The Cougars managed to edge their way up the pitch abetted by Meakin’s break up the midfield. A quick tap and go from scrum half Phil Bell began a series of rucks along the Sheffield try line that eventually wore out the defence which was broken through by the strength of flanker Rosie Tyson, who wrestled her way through and over the line. The momentary relief this brought the home side simply fuelled the visitors more, who were back on the war path. Another try from their winger moments later continued to widen the gap.

Carlisle were able to retaliate with one more try to complete Cunningham’s hat trick. Another Sheffield scrum under the sticks was stolen by the Cumbrians who began another relentless storm of the Sheffield defence on their try line that finally paid off with a gap for the centre to dive over and touch down left of the posts. The Carlisle performance was erratic, with some brilliant phases of rugby strung together by some disastrously disorganised play.

Carlisle have one remaining fixture against York at home on Sunday 3rd May, k.o. 2.15 p.m. All support welcome!

Full report PDF

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Alnwick Junior Rugby Festival

19th April 2009

Carlisle entered teams in the under 7 and under 8 age groups at the Alnwick Festival recently.  It was a fantastic day, enjoyed by players, coaches and parents alike. The day was crowned by the under 7 team winning the bowl for that age group.

There were thirty six teams entered, including a touring team from Ballynahinch in Northern Ireland.

Who knows, there may be some senior stars of the future starting out on their road to fame!

The Carlisle team, left to right (standing) Rory Ward, Mark Smith, Euan Forlow & Ben Gill.  Seated, Arion Thomson & Marcus Tiffen.

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Aspatria coaches call it a day

After the end of the league campaign it has been announced by Aspatria that their two long serving player coaches have stood down from their coaching roles at the club.

Mike Scott and Adrian Bateson have both decided to call it a day.  They have both been faithful servants to the cause, but want to devote more time to work and family committments.

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