Last updated 10:33, Friday, 03 October 2008

ASPATRIA were once again found lacking in the final quarter when they went down 21-16 at Billingham.

The Cumbrians had been leading 16-7 but conceded two converted tries – the second just five minutes from time – to lose out.

To make matters worse they had hard-working back-row forward Gary Hodgson sent off in the last minute for a high tackle.

Billingham had won their opening two matches – both away and the first one at Carlisle – and they opened well with a converted try in the first seven minutes.

But from there Aspatria took over and after Scott had kicked two penalties they took the lead with a converted try.

Andrew Miller sliced through from 30 yards to score near the posts and Scott added the conversion for a 13-7 interval lead.

Aspatria continued in much the same way at the start of the second half and were given more breathing space with a penalty from Scott.

But a long break by the home winger resulted in a try and conversion which cut the lead to just two points and raised huge doubts in Aspatria’s minds.

The Cumbrians had generally defended well as a team until five minutes from time when Billingham found a way through to maintain their 100 per cent record with a converted try.

Penrith produced their best display of the season to thrash Durham City 73-5.

Penrith’s points came from tries by Gavin Young, Paul Newton, Martin Armstrong (2), Ioan Lewis (2), Steve Wood (2), Andrew Dawson, James Sanderson and James Stainton. Wood kicked six conversions and Stainton one.

Carlisle got their first point on the board when they drew 15-15 at Warwick Road against newly-promoted Ilkley.