Little bonus for Sandal

The visitors opted to play against the wind in the first half and, unusually, managed to use it to their advantage to set-up a 10-point lead with a penalty and converted try. Sandal came back with a penalty from Tom Smith before Rob Norbury forced his way over from close range after some neat phases of possession to make the half-time score 10-8 in Penrith’s favour.

With the hosts up against the elements in the second half they conceded more points. A further penalty, followed by another converted try stretched Penrith’s lead to 20-8 before Sandal could answer back.

Another penalty by Smith was cancelled out by one for the opposition before an unconverted score from winger Steph Lig brought it back to 16-23.

A further penalty in the dying minutes put Penrith 10 points clear, leaving Sandal with little option but to play through the phases and force a penalty which Smith kicked in the last minute to bring them within seven points.