A tense and tough encounter!
 
Warwick Road was host to a war of attrition this weekend as Carlisle played local rivals Wigton.

 Both sides have shown improvements after a dismal start to the season which saw Carlisle and Wigton at the foot of the table.  However, with Wigton still very much in the drop zone and Carlisle now gaining momentum in mid-table, the Warwick Road side were favourites going into the game.

This did not deter the visitors by any means, and despite the muddy conditions, there were times when both sides looked dangerous in attack.

The game started with both teams seeking to wear down their opposition: this was not going to be a game of beautiful rugby. Carlisle kicked off, and duly started to make their way up field. Wigton were strong in defence, but Carlisle managed to edge their way up into Wigton’s half, retaining possession for the first 10 minutes of the game.

Carlisle’s centre Matt Tinsley was carried off injured after a ruck collapsed on top of him, and replaced by Luke Bell. 

With Carlisle deep in Wigton’s half, the home side was awarded a penalty for infringements at the ruck, enabling fly-half Glen Weightman to open the scoring at 3-0 to Carlisle. Wigton came back with a purpose, however, and effective rucking and attacking backs play saw them in Carlisle’s half, where they forced a penalty from the home side. 

Carlisle’s number eight Lee Brumpton was penalised for lying on the ball in the ruck, and subsequently shown a yellow card.

Full back Greg Scott was able to secure the points, equalising for Wigton on 28 minutes. Although at times both sides showed indiscipline, it was Wigton who were to suffer the most, allowing seven penalty attempts at their goalposts by the home side. Wigton did seek to take advantage of a 14-men Carlisle side, spinning the ball wide continuously before seeking to break through the home side’s mid-field.

Carlisle remained resolute in defence, and at times even made inroads into Wigton’s half, despite the disadvantage.



Carlisle’s second penalty attempt came in the 34th minute as the home side forced a penalty from the scrum. 
Weightman was left disappointed, however, as the ball just narrowly edged wide of the posts, thanks largely to the jeers of a large Wigton support.  Just before half-time, he was able to make amends, as a further Wigton indiscipline led to another penalty, which Weightman was able to secure with ease.



This left the score 6-3 going into half-time. 

The second half saw a rise in intensity as both sides found opportunities to swing the ball out wide, and both sides made use of their powerful forwards. It wasn’t long before the penalty count once again began to mount up, and within five minutes Wigton again conceded a penalty. This provided Carlisle with the chance to substitute the injured Callum Rowlandson with Dan Smithson, who came into the second row.

Weightman wasn’t able to secure a further three points, however, as the ball again just edged wide of the posts. 

As the game wore on, Carlisle were able to absorb furious pressure from the Wigton pack A penalty 10 metres from Carlisle’s try line was taken by the forwards as they made an attempt for a score.  Carlisle worked well under pressure however, and some fierce counter-rucking allowed Weightman to kick Carlisle to safety. 


Wigton were soon back in Carlisle’s half, although briefly, and this time they managed to come away with points. 
Another penalty allowed Wigton’s Greg Scott to equalise, in what would be the visitor’s last points of the game. 
On 60 minutes, Lee Brumpton was substituted for Eddie Faulder, who came into the second row, allowing Dan Smithson to resume his preferred position in the back row. 

The last quarter of the game was characterised by both teams upping the tempo in a bid to secure victory.

As with any local derby, both teams were matched in intensity, despite their current league positions. It was Carlisle who then managed to edge ahead, taking advantage of the visitor’s mistakes at the breakdown, which were penalised. This allowed Glen Weightman to take a further three points off Wigton, putting Carlisle ahead 9-6, and a few minutes later added another penalty.

At 12-6, and with only minutes left of the game, Wigton fought frantically to find Carlisle’s try line, but the city side again proved too strong for their local rivals, and absorbed the attack.

Another loss means Wigton are still mired in the relegation zone, 2nd from bottom.  With Aspatria winning this weekend, the gap between the two sides is closing rapidly, with a much improved Anselmians pulling away above them.

Carlisle on the other hand, are now edging their way in mid-table, and a few more league wins should be enough to maintain a comfortable distance from the drop-zone.

Next week Carlisle are away at Broughton Park, while Carlisle 2nd XV host Trafford Metrovick at home.

Carlisle 12 pts Wigton 6 pts
RFU SSE North 1 West League
Saturday 28th January 2012

 
Scorers for Carlisle:   Pens:        Glen Weightman (4)
 
Carlisle Man of the Match:  Mark Barron – second row

The Carlisle XV & replacements:
 
15    Lewis Boyd
14    Dan Holmes
13    Barry Earl
12    Matt Tinsley (Luke Bell)
11    Martin Brodie
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson
2      Tom Graham
3      Martin McGimpsey
4      Mark Barron
5      Callum Rowlandson (Ed Faulder)
6      Lee Brumpton (Dan Smithon)
7      Bobby Sherlock (C)
8      Gareth Wylie
 
15    Ed Faulder
17    Dan Smithson
18    Luke Bell
 

City side extract revenge
 
Early season defeat by one point at Warwick Road was on the minds of the Warwick Road men on their second trip of the season to the south Merseyside area.    After a shocking start to the season, Carlisle have been gradually improving and whilst not overconfident, the self belief that has been restored stood them in good stead at Wirral.
 
Work committments and injuries were reflected in changes to the starting line up with Barry Earl coming into the centre to replace Simon Little (injured) and Lee Brumpton coming in at eight for Gareth Wylie (work).

RFU SSE North 1 West League
Saturday, 14th January 2012
 
Scorers for Carlisle:
 
Tries:        Lee Brumpton (1), Tim Hughes (1).
Cons:        Glen Weightman (1).
Pens:        Glen Weightman (2).
 
Man of the Match: Scrum half Tim Hughes – apart from his match winning try, he was an inspiration throughout the game.
 
Carlisle squad:
 
15    James Rocke (Matthew Minett)
14    Dan Holmes
12    Barry Earl
12    Matt Tinsley
11    Martin Brodie
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson
2      Tom Graham
3      Martin McGimpsey
4      Mark Barron
5      Callum Rowlandson
6      Tom McCullough
7      Bobby Sherlock
8      Lee Brumpton (Dan Smithson)
 
16    Ed Faukder
17    Dan Smithson
18    Matt Minett
 
Next match:
 
After a free Saturday next week, the local derby with Wigton at Warwick Road looms on 28th January 2012  -  2.15 pm.  Wigton will be looking to avenge the result at Lowmoor Road earlier in the season.
 

In his programme notes for the game the skipper, Mark Barron implored the players to win the match so that the victory could be dedicated to the memory of David Burnett, a former president of the club and who died just before Christmas.

Two teams from Carlisle, the Liverpool St Helens teams and Moresby, who were playing the Hornets, gathered in front of the grandstand and a minutes silence was observed before the games kicked.

David would have been proud of the way victory was deservedly delivered on the day.

Carlisle widened the void above relegation zone with this victory.
 The Warwick road side earned a 23-18 victory against Liverpool St Helens, who had beaten Carlisle 52-0 earlier this season. The match was another milestone in Carlisle’s continued improvement, with heavy forwards play coupled with superb attacking play from the back line.


Although the match was fought fiercely by both teams, it was clear from the onset that Carlisle intended to make amends for the previous encounter between the two sides. Carlisle kicked off, though it wasn’t long before they gained possession from Liverpool.

A knock on led to a Liverpool scrum, and an early engage led to a Carlisle penalty on the visitor’s 22 metre line. Rather than kick for three points, Glen Weightman spotted a gap and opted for a cross field kick to Carlisle’s left wing, where Liverpool St Helens were caught unaware.

The ball bounced over the visitor’s try line, and just before it entered the dead ball area, Barry Earl was able to touch down. Weightman was able to convert the first in what was to be a 100% success rate for the Carlisle fly-half on the afternoon.


The Cumbrians dominated much of the first quarter, only allowing their Merseyside counterparts the odd counter-attack. 
Carlisle forced another penalty as Liverpool attempted to wheel the scrum, which ended up collapsing.


On 19 minutes, Weightman was able to make it 10-0 to Carlisle.
Although Carlisle started strongly, St Helens began to claw their way into the game, and some fast paced forwards work saw their second row Dave Westhead gain five points, despite the cries of ‘held up’ by the home supporters.

Strong winds and the difficulty of the kick meant the try went unconverted.
Despite the weather, Liverpool swung the ball out through their backs, trying to find holes in the Carlisle defence.
On one occasion, Liverpool managed to break through Carlisle’s defence with a two man overlap, but threw the ball forward for a Carlisle scrum. 
The home side remained resolute, however, and a counter-attack provided a penalty for infringements at the ruck.

Weightman was able to secure another 3 points for his side.
Liverpool did manage to come away with some points, as a penalty inside Carlisle’s half was tipped over by full-back Matt Cunliffe.
The score was 13-8 going into half-time. 
Following the break, both teams knew that the second half would be a battle. 
Carlisle were desperate to win over the highly placed visitors and Liverpool were left wondering how they were losing to a side they so easily beaten in September. 
Both teams started strongly, and throughout the second half took turns camping in each other’s half.


It was Liverpool who would eventually break the deadlock, as winger Ian Stanley managed to step round Carlisle’s defence.
A quick pass to Dave Westhead allowed him his second try, which again went unconverted, leaving the score at 13 apiece.
It wasn’t long before Carlisle retook the lead however, as a the home side were awarded a penalty 10 metres from the visitors try line on the right wing, which Weightman stepped up to improve.


The home supporters had their hearts in their mouths as the ball just scraped in, bouncing off the post and once again taking Carlisle into the lead.
With the score now at 16-13, Carlisle began to apply pressure to Liverpool’s defence.
There were brief periods where the visitors tried to clear their line by kicking defensively, only to have the ball returned to their half by Carlisle’s back three.


The game of aerial ping pong quickly turned into a stalemate, until Carlisle took the initiative and once again drove forward into the Liverpool defence.
Second rower Callum Rowlandson set up a driving maul just 10 metres from St Helen’s try line, and the Carlisle pack surged forward.
As Carlisle gained more ground, captain Mark Barron (man of the match) was tackled while he held the ball at the back of the maul.


Referee Alistair Jones awarded a penalty try, which Weightman duly converted. 
Josh Holmes came on as flanker for Tom McCullough, who had made his debut 1st XV appearance, and was a huge presence in the line-outs. 
Alex Neil also came for Joe Anderson at loosehead, but was sin-binned in the 78th minute, just four minutes after coming on.


Carlisle’s victory was not to be a fairytale finish, as Liverpool sought to answer with a try of their own.
Using a quick succession of ‘pick and gos’, St Helens came within 5 metres of the Carlisle try line. 
Further indiscipline led to another yellow card being awarded to Carlisle’s front-row, as hooker Tom Graham was disciplined for killing the ball.

Thankfully, the need for uncontested scrums didn’t arise as the game was in its dying embers.
Carlisle attempted to kick to safety but were forced to run into the opposition’s defence. 
Following a turn over ball, Liverpool shipped the ball out wide where Ian Stanley was able to cross over on the right wing.
The conversion was missed, leaving the final score 23-18 to Carlisle.
Man of the match was Glen Weightman, who with a 100% kicking success rate, and not to mention a try-scoring cross field kick, was pivotal in Carlisle’s success.


Carlisle now sit nine points above Anselmians, who are struggling in the relegation zone.
Next week is another tough game for Carlisle, as they are away to Widnes, who sit 2nd in the table.
With a series of home games lined up, including Wigton and Aspatria, Carlisle can now look forward and keep building on the momentum of recent results.

Saturday, 7th January 2012
RFU SSE North 1 West League
 
Scorers for Carlisle:
 
Try            Barry Earl
Cons         Glen Weightman (2)
Pens         Glen Weightman (3)
Pen. try    (1)
 
Carlisle team:
 
15    James Rocke
14    Barry Earl
13    Simon Little
12    Matt Tinsley (Ross Olney)
11    Martin Brodie
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson (Alex Neil)
2      Tom Graham
3      Martin McGimpsey
4      Mark Barron (C)
5      Callum Rowlandson
6      Dan Smithson
7      Tom McCullough (Josh Holmes)
8      Gareth Wylie
 
16    Alex Neil
17    Josh Holmes
18    Ross Olney

Carlisle almost extracted retribution over Vale of Lune at Powderhouse Lane on Saturday after a drubbing at Warwick Road in the early weeks of the season.

At that time the Warwick Road men were struggling with a host of injuries and were depending on a few youngsters who, at that time were lacking experience.   Since then however, Carlisle have increased in confidence and ability and are far from recognisable as the side that started the season.

Vale started brightly enough, but gradually the Carlisle pack started to exert their influence and gave their hosts a hard time, with little the Lancaster side could do to counter their strength.  Although perhaps far from the finished article, the youngsters that have filled the prop berths that many thought would be impossible,  withstood examination well.

Although two unconverted tries down within the first quarter of an hour, the visitor’s stuck to the task in hand and battled well, rucking and mauling with purpose;  on some occasions driving Vale back by sixty or so yards.  It paid off, with the intensity of their play in the home twenty two area, causing panic in the defence.

Just on the half hour mark, Carlisle drove over line with pivot Gareth Wylie, getting the touchdown; but fly half Glen Weightman screwed the conversion opportunity.

By now Carlisle were really gaining in confidence, and there was a sense of tension running through the home side (and amongst their supporters).  Clearly they had not expected to fight for the spoils and had anticipated a push over!

Carlisle kept to their task and their efforts were rewarded right on the break when lock Callum Rowlandson barged through the rearguard for the points and Weightman made no mistake with his conversion attempt, putting his side  into the interval with a two point advantage.

Following the restart Carlisle continued to take the game to Vale, although within four minutes Rowlandson had to retire with a knew injury and was replaced from the bench by Dan Smithson. Within a minute they added to their tally when winger Matt Minett touched down, but no conversion.

However, within five minutes Vale had pulled the game back to within a couple of points with another try and a Carlisle then had to contend with a spell of pressure, during which Martin Brodie left the bench to replace veteran back Simon Little.

With twelve minutes of the contest remaining full back Lewis Boyd saw yellow for alleged illegal handling, and within a couple of minutes suffered the killer blow of try number four to add to the penalty when Boyd was “binned”.

Alex Neil came off the bench for his senior debut to replace prop Joe Anderson, and despite showing initial nerves, he soon showed why he was deserving of consideration.
Alex Neil made his first team debut coming off the bench to prop.

In the last ten minutes Carlisle really had the Vale defence under severe pressure and spent the period virtually camped on the home line.  Vale conceded a number of penalties, and with the referee having already signalled the last play, the city side managed to keep possession.  Under the posts, the home stand off half ran round to the back of the Carlisle pack and grabbed the ball out of the scrum, but his deliberate offending that ought to have been punished, didn’t even bring the penalty try that would have landed Carlisle the win they deserved from a gritty performance.

Carlisle now go into the break with a bonus point added from the narrow defeat, but will be reflecting on what might have been.   There are sides above them with fewer games won, but benefitting from bonus points for the number of tries scored.   The festive break will allowing a recharge of the batteries and recovery from niggling injuries.

Hostilities resume on 7th January when Liverpool St Helens come to Warwick Road.

The Crusaders

Lost their home encounter by 10 pts to 5 pts over Aldwinians in the North West Leagues.  The colts defeated Wigton 20 pts to 14 pts whilst the Hornets had to sit on the sideline when Creighton couldn’t amass a XV to travel across the city for a Cumbria Shield League match.

Vale of Lune 23 pts Carlisle 17 pts
RFU SSE North 1 West League
Saturday, 17th December 2011
 
Man of the Match:  Flanker, Bobby Sherlock
 
Scorers for Carlisle:
 
Tries:      Gareth Wylie (1), Callum Rowlandson (1) & Matt Minett (1).
Cons:       Glen Weightman (1).
 
The match team:
 
15    Lewis Boyd
14    Dan Holmes
13    Simon Little (Martin Brodie)
12    Matt Tinsley
11    Matt Minett
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson (Alex Neil)
2      Stewart Graham
3      Ed Faulder
4      Mark Barron (C)
5      Callum Rowlandson (Dan Smithson)
6      Josh Holmes
7      Bobby Sherlock
8      Gareth Wylie
 
16    Alex Neil
17    Dan Smithson
18    Martin Brodie

Carlisle have distanced themselves from the relegation zone following a decisive win over Anselmians.

However, they failed to secure a much needed bonus point from the Wirral based side.
 Prior to the match, Anselmians trailed Carlisle by just one point in the league, but a win for the Cumbrians has added another four points to the gap. 


This week’s adverse weather meant this was never going to be a beautiful game, but flashes of brilliance from Carlisle’s attack will leave the city side reflecting on a few missed chances.


The wintry conditions forced a lot of mistakes from either team, and it wasn’t long before penalties were exchanged.
  Carlisle opened the scoring in the first ten minutes, with a penalty taken by fly-half Glen Weightman. 


Within minutes, Anselmians answered with a penalty of their own, and Simon Mason equalised.
  Carlisle’s much improved backs were sharp in attack, despite the quagmire that now opened up on the playing field. 


The Warwick Road side’s experienced centre Simon Little kicked the ball past the visitor’s defence, taking advantage of the visitor’s seemingly absent full-back.


Left winger Martin Brodie was able to beat Anselmians’ winger to the ball, and add five points to the city score. 
 Anselmians were penalised for infringements at the ruck, and Weightman again added three points to the home side’s tally. 
  From the restart Carlisle sought to answer with a try of their own.


A break down the wing by Dan Holmes very nearly added a further five points for the home side, but was held up short by the visitor’s astute defence. 
It was not long, however, till the city side’s attack once again came to fruition. 


Lewis Boyd scored his first try of the match, outpacing the Anselmians defence for a much deserved try. 
  Weightman again converted leaving the score at 18-10 going into half time.
After the break, Anselmians began with flair, no doubt following a few stern words from their coach. 


Anselmians number eight, Loa Tupou, was particularly strong in defence as he managed to decisively take down Carlisle’s hefty second row, Callum Rowlandson. 


The home defence, however, was resolute, and nothing came of Anselmians 20 minutes of aggressive play.
After being instrumental in absorbing the visitor’s attack, Josh Holmes was replaced by first team stalwart Dan Smithson with twenty  minutes left on the clock.


Anselmians became frustrated by the home side’s defence, and their flanker, Carl Hellier, was sin-binned for swearing at the referee.

Carlisle, on the other hand, showed great discipline throughout the game, and avoided the usual barrage of penalties and yellow cards.
With only fourteen men on the field, it was only a matter of time before Carlisle exploited the visitor’s weakened defence. 


Following a cross-field kick to Martin Brodie, he punted the ball on once more, only for Lewis Boyd to race past Anselmians’ defence and consolidate Carlisle’s victory.

Weightman stepped to add the extras, to finish the game 25-10 to Carlisle.
Scottish copper Gareth Wylie was man of the match, after putting in a great performance and showing real determination in both attack and defence.


Next Saturday, Carlisle travel to Vale of Lune to avenge a heavy defeat at the start of the season. A win next Saturday would see Carlisle drift further away from the relegation zone. 

However, Wilmslow, who sit one place above Carlisle, play Anselmians this weekend, so a win will not be enough to advance further in the league. 


Bonus points for four or more tried could well prove decisive come the end of the season, and with only two to their name, Carlisle need to start picking them up wherever the opportunity arises; and if they must lose, do so by seven or less points to get a bonus point too.

Match report by Joe Anderson
 
Scorers for Carlisle:
 
Tries:         Lewis Boyd (2), Martin Brodie (1).
Conversions:   Glen Weightman (2)
Penalties:     Glen Weightman (2)
 
Man of the Match:  No 8 Gareth Wylie

Carlisle 25 pts Anselmians 10 pts
RFU SSE North 1 West League
Saturday, 10th December 2011

The Carlisle team:
15    Lewis Boyd
14    Dan Holmes
13    Simon Little (Matt Minett)
12    Matt Tinsley
11    Martin Brodie
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson
2      Tom Graham (Rob Robertson)
3      Ed Faulder
4      Mark Barron (C)
5      Callum Rowlandson
6      Josh Holmes (Dan Smithson)
7      Bobby Sherlock
8      Gareth Wylie
 
16    Rob Robertson
17    Dan Smithson
18    Matt Minett
 
Next match:
Away at Vale of Lune, Saturday, 17th December 2.15 pm.  Coach leaves Warwick Road 10.45 am  -  supporters welcome.
 

Carlisle were defeated 11-28 this weekend, as league leaders Sandbach proved too strong for the Cumbrian side.

The city side had a number of chances to sink the Cheshire outfit, but were unable to do so. 
The increasingly deteriorating weather was certainly a factor as both teams struggled to retain possession and capitalise on advantages.

Considering the weather, scrums were few and far between, as the two teams took extra care to avoid mistakes in such slippery conditions.

Both teams started well, and an exchange of penalties in the first 15 minutes of the game opened the scoring for Carlisle and Sandbach.

Two minutes in, Sandbach were penalised for not releasing, and Carlisle fly half Glen Weightman was able to convert.  After the restart, Sandbach turned over the ball and began attacking the Carlisle half.  The visitors made a break down the wing, and passed over the Carlisle try line, only to be called back as the touch judge ruled he had overstepped the line.

From the line-out, Sandbach quickly turned the ball over, and Carlisle’s loose head prop was penalised for being off his feet in the ruck. 


On 8 minutes, Nick Cargill was able to convert the penalty, equalising the score for Sandbach. 

Carlisle begun creeping into Sandbach’s half as their dominance in the set piece became more and more apparent.  Early engagement in the scrum gifted Carlisle another penalty, which Weightman duly converted. 

After the first 20 minutes, the score stood at 6-3 to Carlisle

Carlisle occasionally broke through the Sandbach line in the first half, but were let down by mistakes.

West Cumbrian second-row Callum Rowlandson broke through the visitor’s defence 10 metres out from the try line, only to be held up by Sandbach.  Carlisle squandered another chance as some quick hands created opportunity for Carlisle’s scrum half Tim Hughes, who unfortunately fumbled the ball over the Sandbach try line.



Sandbach soon realised they were not going to break the Carlisle defence through running lines, and a kicking game developed between the two sides.  The visitor’s back three were able to produce some lucky kicks that bounced perfectly away from Carlisle’s full back, and on 34 minutes, a cross-field kick to winger Rich Murray produced the first try of the game. 

Cargill was able to convert with ease. 

Towards the end of the first half, Sandbach again sought to attack Carlisle’s defence by kicking into their half. 


Carlisle were soon awarded a penalty for infringements at the ruck, but this decision was soon reversed as blows were exchanged between the opposing props.  Carlisle’s loose head was shown the yellow card, and Cargill was able to add three points to his tally, making the score 6-16 going into half-time.

Carlisle’s pack dominated the set pieces for most of the match, but sometimes found themselves on the back foot as the match wore on.

In the opening few minutes of the second half, Sandbach added a further 5 points to their account, again scoring from a cross-field kick. 

This time, Sandbach’s winger kicked the ball on, and a perfect bounce allowed full-back Jack Leech to touch down. 

Carlisle were soon back to 15 men as a scrum in Sandbach’s half enabled Carlisle to bring on front row replacement Robert Robertson.

Back to full strength, the home side were able to attack the visitor’s defensive line with a new found intensity.  Great forwards work on Sandbach’s own 22 brought Carlisle within metres of a try on several occasions, and were unfortunate to not come away with a score. 

Sandbach were eventually able to clear the ball from their line, and kick the ball up field.

A scrum in Carlisle’s half allowed the visitors to once again score from a kick, this time a grubber kick which proved too unpredictable for Carlisle’s back three.

Jack Leech touched the ball down, and Cargill again converted, bringing the score to 28-6. 

The game became increasingly more erratic asthe  Carlisle forwards attempted to drive ball up field, and Sandbach tried to out-pace their Cumbrian counterparts. 


After 65 minutes of solid play, tight head prop Eddie Faulder was replaced by Robertson, who made his second appearance of the game.

In the 75th minute veteran Simon Little broke through the Sandbach defence in Carlisle’s own half, offloading to Lewis Boyd who ran the length of the visitor’s half to touch down and add five points to Carlisle’s total. 

The game ended 28-11 to Sandbach, but Carlisle can take a lot from the massive improvements they’ve shown in recent weeks.

Carlisle now sit above the relegation zone, but Saturday’s loss means that next week’s game is a must win. 

Next  Saturday, the Warwick Road outfit host Anselmians, who sit one place below Carlisle and will be looking to claw themselves out of the drop zone. 


Man of the Match:  Hooker, Tom Graham

Carlisle 11 pts Sandbach 28 pts
RFU SSE North 1 West
Saturday, 3rd December 2011

Report sent in by Joe Anderson
 
Scorers for Carlisle:
 
Tries:    Lewis Boyd (1)
Pens:    Glen Weightman (2)
 
Carlisle squad:
 
15    James Rocke
14    Matt Minett (Dan Homes)
13    Simon Little
12    Barry Earl
11    Lewis Boyd
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson
2      Tom Graham
3      Ed Faulder (Robert Robertson)
4      Callum Rowlandson
5      Mark Barron (C)
6      Dan Smithson
7      Bobby Sherlock
8      Josh Holmes (Gareth Wylie)
 
16    Robert Robertson
17    Gareth Wylie
18    Dan Holmes
 
Next fixture:  Saturday, 10th December at 2.15 pm v Anselmians
 
Other matches on Saturday 03/12/2012:
 
Crusaders 37 pts Sandbach 14 pts
Division 1 of U of S North West Leagues
 
This victory lifted Carlisle back up up the league into fourth slot.  It was an intense match with Carlisle always likely to succeed,
 
Hornets v Whitehaven 2nd XV
Cumbria Shield League
 
Hornets won by 48 pts.
 

Carlisle travelled to Bower Park bouyed by their victory over 3rd placed Widnes the previous week.

That victory kept them out of the relegation slots, so it was important that the city side maintained their momentum with a victory over near neighbours Aspatria.  Local derbies are often dour affairs and with the home team in deeper trouble than their guests a solid contest was expected.
 
In the opening four or five minutes Aspatria looked as though they may try to keep Carlisle penned back in their own territory, but gradually Carlisle found their way, and from then  until the interval, seemed unlikely to allow the black reds any favours.

The Carlisle front eight have looked solid and capable all season so far, so it was no surprise when they dominated yet again.
 
Jack Clegg had the chance to put his side ahead in the second minute but the usually accurate kick sliced the chance well wide.  At eight minutes, Weightman had his first shot at the sticks, and his too went astray.
 
From then on though, it was mainly Carlisle who had the home defence working at full stretch to stop their line being breached.  Carlisle spent a lot of time in the home twenty two area and the line was regularly under threat, and should have been breached more than the twice they managed before the break.
 
It was just after the midway point of the half, when a scrum about fifteen yards out was won, the ball finding its way to veteran outside centre, Simon Little, and he threaded his way through a surprised defence to touch down at the posts for Weightman to convert.
 
There was a brief flurry from Aspatria from the restart before Carlisle continued their assault on the home line and ought to have had a couple of tries before scrum half Tim Hughes wriggled through from a scrum five yards out.  Again, Weightman converted.
 
Clegg managed a penalty for Aspatria shortly before the break.
 
At the interval Carlisle had to reshuffle their pack with lock Callum Rowlandson retiring with knee trouble.  Utility man Gareth Wylie replaced him with little disruption to the effectiveness of the Carlisle effort.
 
Within five minutes of the restart, Weightman had lofted a couple of penalties through the posts to stretch the lead out to 20 pts to 3 pts.  Aspatria had a spell that started to threaten the city side and on fifty minutes closed the gap with an unconverted try.
 

Carlisle were unsettled a little and Aspatria came into the game and at a ruck about five yards from their own line, Weightman was binned for handling in the ruck.
 
Aspatria were quick to take advantage and soon added seven with a converted try after finding a way through the defence.  Heartened by this success, they added a a further seven points to close the gap to just one point with eleven minutes remaining.
 
Restored to a full XV again, Carlisle recovered their composure and sealed the game when Matt Minett lanced his way through on the left wing to touch down.
 
Aspatria 22 pts Carlisle 28 pts
SSE NW1 League
Saturday, 19th November 2011
 
Scorers for Carlisle:
 
Tries:      Simon Little (1), Tim Hughes (1) & MattMinett (1).
Cons:       Glen Weightman (2)
Pens:       Glen Weightman (3)
 
Man of the Match:

Flanker, Josh Holmes has made a big
impact since breaking into the team in recent weeks, making his debut at Leigh on Bonfire
Day.
 
Carlisle team:
 
15    James Rocke
14    Martin Brodie
13    Simon Little
12    Barry Earl
11    Matt Minett
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson
2      Tom Graham
3      Martin McGimpsey (Ross Ol;ney)
4      Paul Halliday
5      Callum Rowlandson (Gareth Wylie)
6      Josh Holmes
7      Bobby Sherlock (C)
8      Dan Smithson (Eddie Faulder)
 
16    Gareth Wylie
17    Eddie Faulder
18    Ross Olney
 
Next Saturday (26th November):  Home to Kirkby Lonsdale in the semi final of the Cumbria Cup  – 2.15pm
 

Carlisle’s tense win over the newly promoted Widnes has moved the Warwick Road side from the relegation zone of North 1 West.



Carlisle are now joint eleventh in the league with Anselmians, who are in their North West 1 debut season, trailing by just one point.



Thanks to acting captain Bobby Sherlock (Mark Barron is still injured) Widnes spent the first half blinded by rare Cumbrian sunshine, which gave Carlisle the advantage. 

Within the first three minutes, however, Carlisle had conceded a penalty for not rolling away, which Widnes winger Kevin Leadbetter duly crossed over the sticks to make it 3-0 to the visitors.



Carlisle’s pack dominated from the outset, with the much-fancied Widnes front row on the back foot for the entire game. Eddie Faulder in particular made an impression on the game, standing in for 1st team stalwart Martin McGimpsey.  At just 19 years old, and scrummaging exceptionally well, he can be proud of the torment he put his opponent through.



The visitor’s ability to move the ball quickly to their lively wingers came to fruition within the first twenty minutes of the first half, as Matty Smith outran the Carlisle defence and gifted Leadbetter a try, which he was unable to convert.



The home side’s physical dominance often starved Widnes of decent ball, but when the Cheshire outfit managed to create platforms for their backs, they looked dangerous. Given the performance of their back three, it’s no wonder Widnes are now sitting high in the table in their debut season.

However, Widnes’ past in the league below was telling as they began to make a lot of mistakes at the breakdown, especially under the pressure of Carlisle’s pack. Twenty seven minutes in, Carlisle were firmly camped in the visitor’s half, and fly-half Glen Weightman managed to convert a penalty to make it 8-3.

From the restart Carlisle turned the ball over, and again became entrenched in Widnes’ half. Five minutes before the half-time whistle, full-back James Rocke ran a brilliant line in the away team’s 22 metre area, to touch down to the right of the posts. 


Weightman was able to convert with ease.

At the opening of the second half, Carlisle began to turn the screws and apply more pressure to Widnes, who were fighting frantically to remain in the game. The away team attacked the Carlisle line well, and although at times the home side seemed strained in defence, they managed to force several errors from Widnes, who always fell short in their attacking play. 

At sixty nine minutes, the Carlisle pack were beginning to demoralise their opponents, and nearly every scrum was reset due to Widnes’ errors.

After seven reset scrums on Widnes’ five metre line, the referee decided to award Carlisle a penalty try, and sent the visitor’s scrum-half Mike Lamb to the sin bin.

Another easy conversion from Glen Weightman put the score at 17-8 to Carlisle.

At 78 minutes, and after further infringements from the Widnes pack, Weightman was again called on to convert a penalty, making it 20-8.

For the final stretch of the game, Carlisle began to ease off, and Widnes’ once frantic counter attack started to trouble the home team, with the visitors’ winger Matty Smith running through two tackles to score an unconverted consolidation try in the 79th minute.

Man of the match again goes to Tim Hughes, who’s aggressiveness and enthusiasm were an example to everyone on the field.
 
Man of the match:  Tim Hughes
 
Scorers for Carlisle:
Tries:    James Rocke (1) Pen try:    (1)
Cons:   Glen Weightman (2)
Pens:   Glen Weightman (2)
 
Carlisle team:
 
15    James Rocke
14    Martin Brodie
13    Matt Tinsley (Barry Earl)
12    Simon Little
11    Matt Minett
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson
2      Tom Graham
3      Eddie Faulder
4      Paul Halliday
5      Callum Rowlandson
6      John Holmes
7      Bobby Sherlock (C)
8      Gareth Wylie (Dan Smithson)
16    Dan Smithson
17    Barry Earl
18    Ross Olney   
 
Next time out:  19th November at Aspatria  -  2.15 pm.
 
Other news:
 
The Crusaders had a traumatic trip to Stockkport where they lost 10 pts to nil,  Arriving late after their coach broke down. they never really got into their stride.
 
The Hornets entertained Whitehaven 2′s at Warwick Road and ran out victors in an entertaining match.
 
The Colts went down in a thriller on Teeside where Billingham had a comfortable victory.

As a consequence of letting this game slip from their grasp, Carlisle find themselves back in the relegation slots;  something that was undeserved after this performance against a team who, after an initial opening flourish, found themselves under heavy pressure from the Carlisle pack who dominated.
 
It’s OK dominating, but such superiority up front has to be turned into scores!  Not that the backs didn’t play their part in this game, because they did, more that they were unlucky on many occasions.
 
The visitor’s were ten points in arrears after the opening ten minutes, with a converted try and a penalty, but thereafter they dragged themselves up and come the break it was Leigh who were looking more nervous with Carlisle having edged in front with a 13 pts to 18 pts advantage at that stage.
 
Flanker Josh Holmes touched down on thirteen minutes but Glen Weightman missed the extras but atoned on nineteen minutes with a penalty.  Carlisle then had a spell without scrum half Tim Hughes who had been adjudged to be kiilling the ball.  The ensuing penalty added three points to the home tally.    Unbowed, Carlisle kept battling and with the home side found themselves struggling to contain the Carlisle pack.
 

Tim Hughes - a yellow card failed to prevent his 'Man of the Match accolade".

Weightman added a penalty six minutes before the break and with the interval about to be signalled, centre Simon Little put the ball down in the left hand corner, and Weightman converted.
 
Immediately after the restart Leigh drew level with a try and from then on the game was on a knife edge;  Carlisle looked the more superior side but sadly, was not reflected in their points tally!  A couple of Weightman penalties put them back in the driving seat but Leigh closed in with a penalty and just on time, snatched the match with a try,
 
Feeling good about a relatively competent performance is no substitute for losing, and Carlisle really need to find the try line more regularly.  Platitudes from the opposition along the lines, “you
gave us our toughest outing this season” will never be enough to ensure survival.

SSE North 1 West
Saturday, 5th November, 2011
 
Scorers for Carlisle:
 
Tries:        Josh Holmes (1), Simon Little (1).
Cons:        Glen Weightman (1)
Pens:        Glen Weightman (4)
 
Man of the Match:  Tim Hughes
 
The Carlisle squad:
 
15    James Rocke
14    Matt Minett
13    Matt Tinsley
12    Simon Little
11    Martin Brodie
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson (Faulder)
2      Tom Graham
3      Martin McGimpsey
4      Paul Halliday
5      Callum Rowlandson (Grey)
6      Josh Holmes
7      Bobby Sherlock (C)
8      Gareth Wylie
16    Eddie Faulder
17    Callum Grey
18    Luke Bell
 
Nest Saturday:  Home v Widnes.

After last weeks reverse at Northwich. the Warwick Road side redeemed themselves with a competent performance over Wilmslow on Saturday.  Injuries still continue to plague, but nevertheless Carlisle set about the task of holding the visiting XV at bay with a competent performance, with the result never looking in doubt.
 
The Carlisle pack has looked solid for most of the season to date, and with Joe Anderson coming in at prop for the injured Callum Hermeston, no one would have noticed!  One of the problem areas for the city side this season has been their inability to field a settled and authoratative centre partnership (injuries being the main source of frustration).  Veteran Simon Little was elevated from the Crusaders and his experience was a boost to those around him.  His solid tackling was an example to others, who took note of his zeal and followed his example in many cases.

Veteran centre, Simon Little, put is influence on the match with Wilmslow.

The Carlisle pack were in command from the outset, and playing with a strong upfield wind, they soon had the Wilmslow defence operating at full throttle to keep the powerful assaults at bay.
 
Fly half, Glen Weightman, had a chance to put his side ahead on seven minutes with a penalty from wide out, but the swirling wind  shifted the ball wide of the target.
 
The Warwick Road faithful hadn’t too long to wait for a try though.  Within a couple of minutes the ball found it’s way from a maul to the menacing lock, Callum Rowlandson, who was standing back just outside the twenty two area.  Some good handing got the ball to Rowlandson who powered  for the left hand corner to touch down with a clutch of defenders hanging on, but unable to deal with his strength!  The conversion fell short.
 
Carlisle had to settle for those five points, because despite having 85% of the possession, and operating largely in Wilmslow space, further breaKthroughs evaded them.
 
After the break, and facing the wind that many expected Wilmslow to use to keep Carlisle penned back,  the home side extended their lead with a fine try in the right hand corner when winger, Martin Brodie touched down.  Brodie was showing what he is well capable, given a share of the ball, and the the hope must be that in the coming weeks, plenty of ball will see him breaching defences more regularly.  The backs had combined well with Brodie finishing off with a powerful thrust on his wing, fending off desperate tackles.
 
Wilmslow seemed to offer little in the way of resistance, and perhaps the mystery is, and given their overall dominance, why Carlisle did not add more tries to their tally.  A bonus point at least, would have been welcome.  Carlisle must learn to be more productive by turning their hard earned possession into points!
 
Carlisle made some tactical changes within the first fifteen minutes of the second period, Carl Wills coming on for Halliday and Eddie Faulder giving Anderson a break in the front row, and that did little to disturb the ability of the pack to control the game.
 
Weightman had another penalty opportunity on sixty six minutes but the attempt fell just short and Carlisle had to wait until the final minute of normal time for points. Again it was the giant Rowlandson who made a break for the line from deep infield, with a hapless defence unable to bring him down.  He took two or three of the defence with him over the line!  Weightman converted to give Carlisle some breathing space at the foot of the table.
 
This victory lifted Carlisle out of the relegation slots for the first time this season, but there is no room for any complacency.  The aim has to be, apart from winning games, scoring as many tries as possible, because in the final analysis it could well be the bonus points that decide their fate.

Try scoring Man of the Match - Martin Brodie

 
Next week Carlisle are at Leigh (2.15 pm).

North 1 West League
Saturday, 29th October 2011
 
Scorers for Carlisle:
 
Tries:            Callum Rowlandson (2), Martin Brodie (1).
Cons:            Glen Weightman (1).
 
Man of the Match:
 
Martin Brodie:
 
The Carlisle squad:
 
15    James Rocke
14    Martin Brodie
13    Simon Little
12    Richard Hawley
11    Matty Little
10    Glen Weightman
9      Tim Hughes
1      Joe Anderson (Ed Faulder)
2      Tom Graham
3      Martin McGimpsey
4      Paul Halliday (Carl Wills)
5      Callum Rowlandson
6      Dan Smithson
7      Bobby Sherlock
8      Mark Barron (C)
 
16    Ed Faulder
17    Carl Wills
18    Nick Bidwell (not used)
 
Carlisle Crusaders 5 pts Wilmslow 2′s 15 pts
U of S NW Division 1
 
The Crusaders let the slip the opportunity to tighten their grip on second spot in their league with this unexpected reverse.  However, they do retain second place but this reverse allowed Wilmlsow to creep into third place, one point behind them
 
Gosforth Greengarth v Carlisle Hornets
Cumbria Shield League
 
Postponed -  GG unable to field a side.