Both squads were missing a number of regulars as they prepared for the challenge provided by their  respective  promotions - Penrith to Regional 1 and West to Regional 2.

There was a distinct lack of experienced forwards in the West squad,  where Luke Bage made his return to the club in the second row. He finished the game partnering a game 17-year-old Harry Siddle whose ambitions are to prop when he is old enough.

The backs were more like the unit we are used to seeing, although an injury to Ollie Connolly saw Kyle Jamieson having a longer run-out than he might have anticipated as he also made a return.

Penrith began the game with plenty of vim and vigour, and with several speedy and nimble backs took an early seven point lead.

West came back immediately - stand-off Matt Siddle spotting Max Tennant in space out on the left. Sidd's punt was a little flat and Max had to take it almost at a standstill. However,  he startled his opposite number by bursting round him and then leaving the full back flat footed. Matt Siddle's kick into the wind was just wide.

The West starting pack of Jack Angus, Aidan Jackson-Smith  and Adam Hutchinson in the front row, Ollie Webster and Luke Bage at lock and a back row of Isaac Robinson, Charlie Kay and Chris Atkins then started to get to grips. They got their reward when they took a scrum against the head  ten metres out - Ryan Painter seizing his chance to give his side a 10-7 lead.

It wasn't to last as missed tackles in midfield allowed one of the speedy home centres to race in from 35 metres to set up an easy conversion. Penrith then took the score to 19-10 with a pushover try.

Harry Siddle was on for Ollie Webster, and Jordan Painter for Max Tennant,  with Kyle Jamieson and Liam Liston, who'd made the journey in Coach Cameron's car after finishing work,  also coming on. While the team was readjusting Penrith took the opportunity to increase the lead as their fly-half broke clear through the middle to make it 26-10 at the start of the second half.

A drive from a line-out saw the lead increased to 31-10,  before another sharp finish under the posts saw Penrith complete their scoring.

Ryan Painter returned to the fray for the last quarter, after sitting out most of the second half, and he was instrumental  in finishing off the afternoon. The pack had forced their way towards  the Penrith line with Roo spotting his chance to snipe his second try of the afternoon. He looked to have got over the line, instead  the Ref ruled that he'd been stopped illegally and the penalty try was awarded.

Only a few of the new illegal high tackles in the game and a good loosener for both sides. Most of the lads in the West senior squad have now had some decent game time, which bodes well for the start of the season with the Firsts hosting Keswick and the Stags home to BBOB.

Forwards - Jack Angus, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Adam Hutchinson, Liam Liston, Harry Siddle, Ollie Webster, Luke Bage, Isaac Robinson, Charlie Kay, Chris Atkins.

Backs - Ryan Painter, Jordan Painter,  Matt Siddle, Ollie Connolly, Davy Heckles, Jake Tennant, Kyle Jamieson,  Max Tennant, Will Hilditch.