Penrith stay second after Driffield win
Last updated 12:33, Monday, 27 October 2008
Penrith defied the weather and tough opponents Driffield to register two more precious points in North Two East.
On an afternoon when many of the counties games fell foul of the weather Penrith battled in the wind and rain against a well-organised and determined Driffield side to win 11-6.
Driffield had first use of the diagonal gale and after holding early Penrith pressure they camped in the home 22.
Although unable to seriously threaten the home line the Penrith backs were penalised under the posts for off-side and Damien Jacobs gave his side the lead with the subsequent kick.
Penrith then dominated possession and territory for the rest of the first half, but both Ioan Lewis and Paul Newton were denied tries for knock-ons over the line and the forwards went close from a line-out close-in.
Just two minutes short of half-time Steven Wood levelled the scores with a penalty following a late shoulder charge on young full back Kris Bratten, who had an assured game in the worst of conditions
Penrith were pleased with their efforts at half-time and opened up a lead early in the second half.
Joe Nattrass chased down a Wood kick with the wind into the Driffield 22, tackling two defenders to force a Penrith line-out deep in opposition territory.
The Penrith pack won the line-out and rumbled towards the line. They were held up just yards short and captain Rob Dawson burst from the maul to force his way over for what proved to be the only try of the game.
Penrith gave the visitors a scent of hope when they were again caught off-side under the posts. Jacobs put over his second kick to make it 8-6.
Penrith came straight back and a second Wood penalty re-established the five point lead and from there on in they didn't give Driffield a sniff
Wood pinned them in their own half and as conditions worsened it became more and more difficult for them to open up the game.
Penrith won the war of attrition deep in their territory and saw the game out for an excellent victory against a side that had started the day level on points with them.
In retrospect the day played into the hands of the home team as Driffield had a reputation for quick, hard-running backs and Penrith were without influential outside centre Martin Armstrong.
Play on the day rarely got past the stand-off rendering the outside backs to mere chasers and spectators.
Penrith remain second, level on points with Old Crossleyans, but they are still two points adrift of 100 per cent League leaders Billingham who won 16-5 at Gateshead.
