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U15s v Cockermouth

The Under 15’s travelled to Cockermouth looking for their first win of 2010, with high stakes to play for in a delayed County Cup match.

Playing in perfect weather conditions, against a glorious backdrop of the Lakeland fells, the visitors had a slow start as nerves were clearly getting the better of them. Playing on a surface that mimicked the contours of the ball they were playing with, we struggled to get into a game that Cockermouth were clearly determined to win, and only some desperate defensive work and a little luck allowed us to clear our lines. Whilst our photographer struggled to fit his periscope attachment to see the other side of the pitch, a clearance kick from fly half Ben Shadwick allowed us to press forward into the Cockermouth half for the first time. Following a series of infringements and penalties, centre Andy Glendinning decided to forego the easy kick for 3 points and released Jack Mitchell with a tap and go to power over for our opening try which Andy converted. Cockermouth quickly pressed forward from the re-start using all the local knowledge of the slopes and contours of the pitch. Carlisle were penalised a number of times for infringements at the ruck, and a 10m tap and go penalty was nearly converted into a try but for some sterling work by James Bulman to get under the Cockermouth player. Carlisle had to soak up a lot of pressure from the eager Cockermouth forwards, who were gaining the upper hand in the scrums. Defensively the Carlisle forwards were able to repel the attacks, and good work from Harry Manton, Stewart Cannon, and Chris Marsh allowed the ball to be stolen and let Ben Shadwick clear his lines for a breather and a counterattack. With the ball flighted over the Cockermouth line up the right hand side a knock on forced a scrum on the Cockermouth 10m line. With the scrum steadied after Reuben Shepherd replaced Tom Carlyle who was struggling with a neck injury, scrum half  Ollie Armstrong fed Ben Shadwick who spotted a half gap and crashed his way through between the posts, but was controversially adjudged held up at the bottom of the pile of bodies. With the visitors now scenting another try, Stewart Cannon picked up from the scrum and driving right pulled the Cockermouth defence with him. The ball was then quickly worked back left and with markers out of position, Jack Mitchell crashed his way through the defence for a try just left of the posts, which Andy Glendinning converted for the last score of the half.

The second half saw the visitors now starting to feel a bit more confident in their abilities. With Cockermouth looking to get on to the score sheet, only some desperate defensive work at times saw Carlisle hold their lines, but some good tackling and teamwork, kept the sheet clean and the home team at bay. The pack were forced to re-arrange after James Bulman was pinned at the bottom of a collapsed scrum with a nasty neck injury, but Rhys Pattinson and a re-juvenated Tom Carlyle were able to stabilise things, and despite pressure from Cockermouth for the last few minutes, the visitors were able to hold out to win. This was a determined effort and good teamwork by the under 15’s which hopefully they can maintain to further their aspirations in the cup competition.

Full match report

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Morpeth 23 v Carlsle 13

North 1 East League
Saturday, 6th March 2010

RECOVERY MODE STALLS!

After three successive victories, all claimed in fine style, Carlisle travelled to the north east hoping to leap up the table and ease any threat of relegation. Complacent they were not, but they certainly looked less than convincing in what was was pretty mediocre stuff served up by two sides who both had survival at stake!  Apart from calling the shots in the opening ten minutes of the match, Carlisle rarely looked likely to trouble the opposing defence.

In fairness, their preparations were disrupted by injuries and unavailabilty of some players, but nevertheless there seemed to a  lack of imagination, particularly going forward.  It was not that the side lacked a supply of ball. but more the failure to be creative when the opportunities arose.

Fly half Glen Weightman had the chance to put Carlisle ahead as early as the second minute but failed to land a penalty.

Lee Tinnion, making his club debut on the right wing, had what seemed to be a perfectly good try denied by the referee.

Morpeth edged in front with a converted try mid way through the first half before visiting scrum half, George Graham, had to retire after aggravating an ankle injury.  Tim Hughes, back of a year of adventure in the Antipodes replaced him.

Morpeth added a penalty four minutes before the break and Weightman replied just on the whistle.  Half time at 10 pts to 3 pts.

Apart from brief spells, Morpeth ran the show in the second half and added a converted try and two penalties to take the game, but not before full Lewis Boyd linked well with Chris Harris who touched down with Weightman adding the extras.

SCORERS FOR CARLISLE:

TRY: Chris Harris.

CONVERSION: Glen Weightman.

PENALTIES: Glen Weightman (2)

THE STARTING XV:

15    Lewis Boyd
14    Dan Holmes
13    Chris Harris
12    Lee Askew
11    Lee Tinnion
10    Glen Weightman
9      George Graham (Tim Hughes)
1      Martin McGimpsey
2      Tom Graham (John Bowman)
3      Martin Kalinowski (Tom Graham)
4      Paul Halliday
5      Gary Graham
6      Dan Smithson (Olly Barker)
7      Bobby Sherlock (Captain)
8      Mark Barron
16    John Bowman
17    Olly Barker
18    Tim Hughes

PICTURES FROM THE MATCH:

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Try Womens Rugby Night

Carlisle Cougars invite all women to try rugby at an free open evening on 10th of March at the rugby club on Warwick Road. Rugby is a sport for all.

The Cougars have a mix of players with over ten years experience to those who have only started playing this season. You don’t need to be fit to start playing, and if you are tall or short, fast or strong you can play a key role in the team.

“Rugby is a great team game. Its a good sport to get into if you play other sports, and want to try something different, or if you just want to try something new” said Lucy Meadley, captain of the Cougars.

Playing rugby is also a great way to meet new people. “Players come from every walk of life, and range in age from 18 to over 40.” The Cougars play in a league called Championship North 2, against teams from Preston, Sheffield, Scunthorpe and clubs in the North East.

Now is a good time to join the team as a number of friendly tournaments are coming up over the next couple of months. Four Cougars players are also representing the North East of England this year, which is the first step on the pathway to playing for England.

The session on the 10th of March, is a great way to see if you would like to play the sport. You need a tracksuit, or shorts and a sweat shirt and rugby or football boots if you have them. If not trainers will do.

Showers are available afterwards and you will be more than welcome to pop in to the club house for a drink after the session. Please contact Lucy to register an interest or for more information at carlislecougars@hotmail.com or on mobile 07912110785.

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Old Brodleians 5 v Carlisle RFC 23

North 1 East
Saturday, 27th February 2010

The improvement in Carlisle form continued on the edge of Bronte country, and at a ground where, according to a 91 retired doctor who was at the game,  and used to play for Old Brodleians, home matches used to be controlled by a referee on horse back!  The headmaster of the local grammar school used to insist on officiating at all home games, and always in the saddle!

A wonderful story perhaps, but despite the obvious illustrious history of their hosts, Carlisle showed little sentiment for their hosts and set about a meaningful performance to further enhance their own Level 6 survival chances.  Having arrived at the ground, it was not hard to see why Brods have a relatively good home record.  The pitch had a slope from one side to the other with a probable drop of around 12′;  Brodleians are doubtless used to this little quirk, but it was of little value to them on Saturday, as Carlisle refused to be handicapped!

Fielding an unchanged starting line up from the previous week, Carlisle set about the game with purpose and style and soon had the opposing defence on the back foot. The pack put in a sterling performance throughout, with back row in particular putting on an eye catching show.  Flankers, Bobby Sherlock and Dan Smithson got through a lot of work, with Smithson now really in his stride after stepping up from Cumbria League rugby.  His endeavour is enormous, and he was always hungry for the ball, picking up and driving forward with menace.

Number eight Lee Brumpton, having what must be his longest run of uninterrupted matches without injury, was always in evidence and he capped a great game with a brace of tries.  Hooker, Tom Graham was always in the thick of it too, creating good advantage for his pack mates.

Carlisle got their first score after only three minutes.  They were awarded a scrum about five yards out from the home line, midway between oe right post and the touch line.    A hard drive gave them possession with scrum half Ben Blain shifting the ball right to his half back, and Weightman slipped over in the corner for five points but was unable to convert his effort.  Ten minutes later he added a penalty.

The home side had not seen a lot of the ball until then, but then came a spell when Carlisle were under some pressure to keep the opposing pack at bay.  Credit to Brods. they plugged away and managed a try (to be their only score of the day) in the right hand corner.

Brumpton got the first of his two tries on twenty four minutes and Weightman stretched the difference to ten points, and that lead held until the break.

Carlisle had to send on replacement back George Graham whilst, right wing, Olly Barker had a few stitches in a head wound after which he was able to resume.

The talking point during the break amongst the home supporters was about the quality of play Carlisle were serving up, and getting special mention were the skills of the Warwick Road scrum half, Ben Blain.  He had dictated the pattern of the game throughout the first half and his influence remained obvious for the remainder of the game.

Fifteen minutes into the second half the visitors freshened the pack up a little to maintain the impetus.  Tight prop, Martin Kalinowski came off, lock Martin McGimpsey moving from the second row, and with his place being taken by Paul Halliday.  The changes had little effect on the solid performance of the Carlisle effort.

Old Brodleians were determined to make a game of it and Carlisle were made to work hard for their victory.  They looked dangerous on the break but the solid home defence held firm for the most part.  On seventy minutes, Weightman added a penalty with seventy minutes gone, Brumpton getting his second (unconverted try on eighty minutes.

A satisfying third consecutive victory for the city men, and completing their third double too.   There is still a lot of work to do, but with eight games remaining, five of them at home, hopes are high for a respectable a finish.  So tight is the league that Carlisle remain just six points from third placed Hartlepool Rovers.
Rovers remain third, despite losing their last three matches. the first being against Carlisle.

Carlisle have to travel to Morpeth (next Saturday), Darlington (Easter Saturday, 3rd April) and Sandal (10th April).  The home sequence is 13th March (Old Crossleyans), 20th March (Percy Park), 27th March (Pontefract), 17th April (Driffield) and 24th April (Gateshead).

BEST OF THE BACKS (AND MAN OF THE MATCH):  Scrum half:   Ben Blain

PICK OF THE PACK:  Number eight: Lee Brumpton

SCORERS FOR CARLISLE:

Tries:                               Glen Weightman (1)   Lee Brumpton (2)

Conversions:                 Glen Weightman (1)

Penalties:                       Glen Weightman (2)

THE STARTING XV:

15    Lewis Boyd
14    Dan Holmes
13    Chris Harris
12    Barry Earl (George Graham) (Lee Brumpton)
11    Olly Barker
10    Glen Weightman
9      Ben Blain
1      Steve Stamper (captain)
2      Tom Graham
3      Martin Kalinowski (Martin McGimpsey)
4      Mark Barron
5      Martin McGimpsey (Paul Halliday)
6      Dan Smithson
7      Bobby Sherlock
8      Lee Brumpton (Gareth Wylie)
16    Gareth Lewis
17    Paul Halliday
18    George Graham

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Carlisle 42 v Ilkley 7

North 1 East League
Saturday, 20th February 2010

Having waited since early December for a game on home soil, the city side certainly looked good value as they turned over the visitors from Ilkley.  The previous week, both teams turned in what to some, were unexpected results, by defeating teams lying second and third in the league.  Carlisle won convincingly at Hartlepool Rovers, whilst Ilkley vanquished Billingham.

Therefore, the scene was set for an interesting dual, with both teams desperate for league points to retain level 6 status.  From the quality of rugby served up by both teams, it would be readily apparent to any neutral observer, that neither outfit deserved to be in the nether regions of the league.

Any worries about the state of the pitch after a heavy overnight frost, were quickly cast aside. Both the hosts and their guests tried to play some open running rugby, with Carlisle more than managing to convince that confidence had been rebuilt.  Their pack managed to battle for, and get sufficient ball for the backs to menace their opponents with plenty of open attacking play.

Carlisle did not have it all their own way though;  Ilkley showed sufficient grit to keep the Warwick Road defence under pressure on their own line on several occasions.  The defence battled well to repel some sustained assaults, leaking only one score just before the break.

Fly half Glen Weightman had the chance to open the home acount but only maaed to strike a penalty in front of the post onto the offside post!    Within a couple of minutes though, Ben Blain, favoured at scrum half over George Graham, darted over for a try following a scrum five yards out, but the fly half ha still not found his kicking range for the bonus points!

Carlisle continued to dominate, although they always had to be on their mettle when Ilkley got the ball, and could have been a greater danger if they had been served by a half decent set of backs!

Another try came on twelve minutes when the home pack drove over the line with skipper and loose head prop, Steve Stamper touching down  letting Weightman eventually findhis kicking boots.

Outside centre Chris Harris added a converted try on the half hour mark.  The remaining minutes of the first half were spent in rather more defence than  had been the case, and Ilkley and flanker Hamish Pratt touched down with former Creightonian full back, Pete Shanks, landing the conversion for his sides only other points of the game.

Shortly after the restart, Weightman stretched the advantage with another penalty.  Ilkley then went on the offensive and kept Carlisle penned back for a lengthy period, but the defence kept its nerve and the wall wan’t breached!

Quarter of an hour into the second period, Carlisle were forced into some changes.  Full back Lewis Boyd came off with a knee injury;  Blain moved to fifteen, George Graham coming on at scrum half.  Tight head prop, Martin Kalinowski retired too with Biff McGimpsey moving up from lock, allowing Paul Halliday from the bench to replace him.

Within minutes, Weightman added another penalty and from then on much of the match was spent midfield with the two packs slugging it out for supremecy.

In the closing four minutes of the match Carlisle added two well deserved tries.  Dan Holmes went up the left wing from well within his own half, offloaded to Olly Barker who was up in support with him, allowing him to touch down.

Scrum half Graham added his name to the try column just as the final whistle was due;  he kicked the ball through from halfway, and followed it through before scoring to the left of the sticks.

Weightman converted both.

In the end a comfortable scoreline, and apart from the welcome two league points, it helped to reduce the points differential substantially.

Carlisle should not get complacent though.  There is still much work to do, but with five of their remaining nine fixtures on home turf, the odds must be in their favour.

A special thank you to the guys of Ruggerpix.com who managed to get us out of a fix when gremlins got into the technology during Saturday’s match.

Next week they travel to Halifax to meet Old Brodleians.

PICK OF THE PACK: Dan Smithson.

BEST OF THE BACKS: Ben Blain.

SCORERS FOR CARLISLE:

Tries:

Ben Blain (1)
Steve Stamper (1)
Chris Harris (1)
Olly Barker (1)
George Graham (1)

Conversions:

Glen Weightman (4)

Penalties:

Glen Weightman (3)

THE STARTING XV:

15    Lewis Boyd (Ben Blain)
14    Dan Holmes
13    Chris Harris
12    Barry Earl
11    Olly Barker
10    Glen Weightman
9      Ben Blain (George Graham)
1      Steve Stamper (Captain)
2      Tom Graham (Graham idd)
3      Martin Kalinowski (Martin
McGimpsey)
4      Mark Barron
5      Martin McGimpsey (Paul Halliday)
6      Dan Smithson
7      Bobby Sherlock
8      Lee Brumpton
16    Paul Halliday
17    Graham Kidd
18    George Graham

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Hartlepool Rovers 10 v Carlisle 27

North 1 East League
Saturday, 13th February 2009

Carlisle travelled to the north east knowing that nothing less than a victory would do to help salvage their season that has been disappointing to date.  And, they did just that, in style too.

The Rovers had a fairly sound home record with only two defeats and despite this reverse they remain in third slot in the league.  The only disappointment from the outing is, that the Warwick Road should have amassed a greater points tally.  Still, hopefully this outing was the start of a renaissance!

The Friarage side were expecting an easy scalp and we brought down to earth with a bump.  On this display, any neutral would have been driven to the view that the respective league positions were actually the reverse of reality.  Never take it for granted that things will go your way, especially in this north east town where, in the past the locals voted for a monkey to be their elected mayor!

Watching the Rovers run out onto the field, and opponents would have been forgiven if they had been fazed by the size of the opposing pack  -  clearly they the had the benefit of at least a stone per man.  In the event that counted for nothing as Carlisle went about their task with purpose and skill, generally neutralising any threat that was posed.

The coaching staff at Carlisle had carried out major surgery (mainly positional) to their XV beforethis match, and it was quickly apparent that to their supporters, that any doubts they may have had about the line out, were quickly dissolved.

The pack was very solid wit the home team unable to cope with the strength and technique on offer.  Such was their combined contribution that is was hard to single out anyone for special praise, but pivot Lee Brumpton won the accolade because of his personal brace of tries that helped secure a victory that was good value for money, and one for which Hartlepool could have no complaint.

Despite this fine win, Carlisle still remain second bottom in their league, but only ten points behind the ‘Pool in third place.  With ten league games remaining, six of them at home, given the optimism that follows the result on Saturday, Carlisle should be able to rescue what has been a difficult season.

On Saturday, ther youthful back division was buoyed by the return of “old boy”, Lewis Boyd – not much more than a youth himself, but with some serious national league experience behind him at Fylde, and more recently at Kendal.  Boyd turned out at full back and was soon involved in the match.  Apoart from looking secure as the last line of defence, his upfield surges linking with the three quarters, instilled confidence in his colleagues.  What’s more his verbal motivation was being heeded by fellow backs and had good effect!

The Carlisle half backs generally shifted the ball well allowing the team to make ground.  Dan Holmes on the left wing, had his best game of the season and was unlucky not to grab himself a couple of tries he would have deserved.

But, the platform for this success was down to the effort put in by the pack, and they rarely looked troubled.  This despite the fact for twenty minutes they were down to fourteen men;  flanker Dan Smithson saw yellow for a handling offence in a ruck on twenty minutes and just as he returned, hooker Tom Graham was penalised for the same indiscretion.

Carlisle opened their account on thirteen minutes when fly half Glen Weightman slotted a penalty.

The only othe score in the first half came six minutes before the break, and a try for the hosts followed one of their rare forays into the Carlisle twenty two area.  They made a determined onslaught on the Carlisle line, and did manage a try.

After the rest period, and playing into a bitterly cold wind, Brumpton landed his first try on forty three minutes but Weightman missed the extras with the ball going wide.  Within four minutes, Hartlepool had restored their half time lead with an unconverted try, but that was to be their lot for the day.

Carlisle continued to dominate up front, and relief the Rovers front row might have got from the retiral of tight head prop, Martin Kalinowski, was short lived.  The recent recruit from the Cumbria League is still adjusting to life a few levels above what he is used to.  “Biff” McGimpsey came off the bench to replace him and keep up the pressure on the opposing front line.

At the midway point Weightman converted a second try from Brumpton, and within a couple of minutes, George Graham, an industrious scrum half added to the cause but his try was not improved.  In scoring, Graham took a knock and left the field to be replaced by that great all round team player, Ben Blain.  Blain has perhaps been a shade unfortunate in losing his place, and he quickly gave notice with his direct running and positive passing, that he is still very much a serious contender.

Carlisle continued to press and kept the home defence under regular pressure.  With a few minutes remaining, Smithson, who worked tirelessly throughout, was replaced by Adam Morrison.

Into injury time, Boyd surged evasively up field and offloaded to right winger Olly Barker to land the final try in the corner, with Weightman landing the conversion from the touch line.

Job done!  But, only for now.  There is a need to repeat the quality of this performance, and Carlisle have an early opportunity this coming Saturday.  They entertain Ilkley who are below then in the league, but if any one thinks it will be a push over, thinl again!  The Dalesmen turned over Billingham, a result that serves notice, that they too are going to fight to the end for survival.

SCORERS FOR CARLISLE:

Tries:

Lee Brumpton (2)
George Graham (1)
Olly Barker (1)

Conversions:

Glen Weightman (2)

Penalties:

Glen Weightman (1)

PICK OF THE PACK:

Lee Brumpton

BEST OF THE BACKS:

George Graham

THE STARTING TEAM:

15    Lewis Boyd
14    Dan Holmes
13    Chris Harris
12    Barry Earl
11    Dan Holmes
10    Glen Weightman
9      George Graham (Ben Blain)
1      Steve Stamper (Captain)
2      Tom Graham
3      Martin Kalinowskie (Martin McGimpsey)
4      Gary Graham
5      Mark Barron
6      Dan Smithson (Adam Morrison)
7      Bobby Sherlock
8      Lee Brumpton
16    Martin McGimpsey
17    Adam Morrison
18    Ben Blain

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Under 14’s v Vale of Lune

Lancashire side Vale of Lune, made the trip up the M6 to Carlisle for a 11.00am kick-off on a rather dull and damp Sunday morning.  Both teams were depleted in numbers, but those who had made themselves available for for the game were involved in an entertaining and very watchable game of rugby.

The Cobras started strongly, pushing through the Vale defence within the first three minutes match. Good handling along the back line lead to Greg Graham going over in the corner for an unconverted try.

The game continued at a steady pace, with Carlisle dominating most of the play, camping in the visitors half for long periods. However in a 11th minute, an unconverted try by Vale’s Alex Hill saw the visitors equalise.  Vale battled hard to try and keep the Cobra’s forwards from making ground, but some slick passing and good hands, saw full back Tom Couthard take the ball at pace over the visitors try line some 5 minutes later, converted by Jason Israel….

View full match report

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Old Crossleyans 12 v Carlisle RFC 7

North 1 East League
Saturday, 6th February 2009

No Bonus for Carlisle from improved display
Carlisle travelled to Halifax determined to restart their season after a disappointing spell.  This rematch after the November game was declared void by the league, after front row irregularities by the Yorkshire side, was a game the city outfit deserved to win.

After the kick off and an initial flurry by the hosts, Carlisle took the game to the Old Crocs, with the visiting pack putting on a powerful display, one that should have brought them a greater return in the opening quarter of an hour.

Old Crocs were forced into stoic defence of their line and the mystery is, why did Carlisle not take more points from their effort.  There was much more purpose than of late.

Carlisle opened their account on seven minutes when pivot, Lee Brumpton, touched down just left of the posts and Glen Weightman converted.

Despite their early domination and the bonus of calling the opening shots, the visitors gradually slipped back into old habits, unable to retain ball, slack handling and passing.

The penalty count against them was mounting and they succumbed twice, on fourteen and twenty four minutes, when their frustration at being unable to maintain their momentum got the better of them.

At the break one point advantage was never going to be enough, and Carlisle had lost veteran centre Simon Little, who had been introduced in an endeavour to strengthen the midfield, with a hand injury that was beyond running repair.  It was shame really, because his strong running and unpredictably was causing confusion for the Old Crocs,

After the break, Carlisle had to withstand an onslaught from a home side, clearly frustrated that they had been unable to break down the Carlisle wall thus far (apart from the penalties).  The defence coped well but conceded two further penalties to put them on the back foot.

Carlisle gradually worked their way back into the game and for the last period it tool all the Crocs could muster to keep the visitors at bay.  Camped for lengthy periods on the line, Carlisle, promised much and delivered little!  Despite their best efforts they could not get ove the line; too many wrong options and indecision let them down.

Hooker Tom Graham got over the line between the posts to touch down, but was adjudged to have dropped the ball.  What a fillip seven points would have been at that stage!  But, for all the disappointment the lads continued to pressure the home side but had to be content with scoring the only try of the match.

Carlisle have eleven games left to save ther season and the same effort applied in the coming weeks could well be their saviour!

PICK OF THE PACK:

Dan Smithson

BEST OF THEBACKS:

George Graham (scrum half).

SCORERS:

Lee Brumpton (try).
Glen Weightman (conversion).

STARTING XV:

15    Chris Harris (Ben Blain)
14    Dan Holmes
13    Barry Earl
12    Simon Little (Chris Harris)
11    Olly Barker
1      Steve Stamper (Captain)
2      Tom Graham
3      Martin Kalinowski
4      Martin McGimpsey (Dan Smithson)
5      Gary Graham
6      Dan Smithson (Mark Barron)
7      Bobby Sherlock
8      Lee Brumpton
16    Mark Barron
17    Adam Morrison
18    Ben Blain

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Under 15’s v Vale of Lune

A depleted under 15 squad travelled to Vale of Lune seeking their first win of the New Year. With only 12 players making the journey, the hosts generously loaned us 3 players to make up the numbers.

Vale of Lune pressurised the visitors from the off, and the referee was quick to show he would police the breakdown rigorously. With Carlisle handling in the ruck, the hosts were quick to put 3 points on the board from the resulting penalty.

It wasn’t long though before Carlisle got on the scoresheet, and the hosts were penalised for a similar offence in their half which was brought forward 10m for dissent. From the tap and go the ball was worked left and fly half Andy Glendinning drew the Vale of Lune defence to release Jack Mitchell to power his way over for our first try.

Vale of Lune continued to pressurise the Carlisle defence, but after some good forward play the ball was worked back for Andy to kick over the hosts defence. With Scott Hogarth chasing down the kick and pressurising the hosts fullback into committing a penalty, the resulting quick tap and go was quickly worked across the back line for Wilson Noctor to score…

Full match report

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U14’s v Keswick 24th Jan

The Carlisle Cobras (U14s,) travelled to the Lake District this weekend, to play their first game in five weeks due to the recent inclement weather.

Keswick were our hosts for the 2010 opener, where we received our usual warm welcome from our hosts on what was a very pleasant morning to play rugby. It was decided that the game would be played in three 20 minutes segments to give all the players from both sides a good run out.

The game kicked off with both teams starting strongly, but in the ealry minutes, a penalty was awarded to the Cobras which was successfully dispatched by Brett Connon.  Minutes later a Keswick were awarded a penalty  on the Cobras 22 after  handling in the ruck, Robert Bland stepped up tp bring the scores level.
Keswick continuted very strongly, attacking the visitors in waves, and sustained pressure on the Cobras defence saw Keswick break through to attack the Carlisle try line, unfortunatey the attempt to score was knocked on.
Both teams were playing some good rugby without either side gaining the upper hand when Keswick broke the deadlock to scored the first try of the game on 12 minutes with  Dan Stephenson going over to give the home team a 8 – 5 advantage when  the conversion was narrowly missed.
Sluggishness and lack of support at times from the Cobras forwards, allowed Kesick to gain more possession at the breakdown, but they quickly recovered as the first period  went on.  Increased determination not to be out played, the Cobras started to support  in numbers which resulted in Guy Wilkinson scoring Cobra’s their first unconverted try in the 15th minute.
The Cobras continued to attack the Keswick try line, with the hosts using some good defence strategies but they were unable to stop James Robson cutting through in the closing minutes of the first period to score an unconverted try in the corner.  A good first period was played with both teams testing each others resolve. Carlisle went into the first break, 13 points to  8  up.

The Cobras began the second period very strongly with the forwards starting to dominate much more than they did in the first period.  Eventually, some good rucking saw  the Cobras finally break the deadlock in the 6th minute of the second period when Dan Smales pushed over Keswicks line to score the Cobras third try of the game, which again, was not converted.
Keswicks defence was beginning to get questions asked of them as the Cobras seemed to step up a gear with repeated surging runs at their  defence. Carlisle’s forwards were beginning to recycle the ball quickly, and when the ball went through hands out wide, fullback Tom Coulthard received on the left wing to score in the 11th minute of the second period to see Carlisle gain a 23 – 8 advantage.
The Cobras were now gaining in confidence, and this showed in the way they were moving the ball between the forwards and backs keeping it away from the defending team.  But against the run of play, Keswick’s Alvin Tsoi broke away with an impressive run down the wing to score an unconverted try in the 15th minute of the second period bringing the score back to 23 – 13 as they failed to convert.

Full match report

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