Rugby Union By John Walsh

Last updated 11:47, Thursday, 28 August 2008

PENRITH continued their preparations for the new season with a warm-up game against Leigh.

This was a useful test as Leigh finished mid-table in North Two West, the same level as Penrith will be playing this time, albeit in North Two East.

The pre-season friendly was played in three half hour sessions and was keenly contested throughout, Leigh although not as sharp as Penrith in attack provided a stern test as they were physically strong and determined in defence.

Penrith won the first session 5-0 with a breath-taking try from young winger Kris Bratten who showed his exceptional pace to score from inside his own half.

They took the second 17-5 with Steve Wood and Martin Armstrong combining to create the first score when Armstrong crossed. Toby Slack took advantage of some confusion in the Leigh defence to snipe for the second score before the visitors drive from an attacking lineout caused mayhem in the home defence for a soft try for the number eight.

Gavin Young completed the scoring with a clean break from a move off the back of a scrum on the Leigh 22.

Leigh started the final session with some determination and opened the scoring with the best move of the game.

Penrith were soon back on the offensive and James Stainton forced his way over after a number of drives from the forwards.

Young picked up his second try when a long Wood clearance kick bounced kindly for Armstrong who almost made the line himself but held the ball up for Young.

Armstrong bagged his second after good work by Dan White and he returned the compliment to put White in for the final score. Penrith took that session 28-7 with the overall score being 50-12.

It was a satisfactory outcome but there is still plenty of work to be done.

The line-outs and set scrums did not just function as well as they might but coach Stuart Connell will be happy in the knowledge he has strength in depth in the front row with hookers Jali and Rutledge and props Wilson, Dawson, Linigan and Tyson.

Not all prospective first teamers were available and Friday night’s trip to Preston Grasshoppers will give the rest a chance to show their potential.