: Sat May 23, 2009 11:34 pm
Pennys performance tonight in a way was exactly as expected.
Defensively he is not right. Gatesheads first try came down his wing where he was found wanting. He still grabs at players shirts/collars, often missing the tackle, instead of making the tackles head on or at least in what you would call in a copybook way. He misjudged an attacking kick on last tackle ( not a kick off as previously stated ) but the ball took a high, awkward bounce that made it difficult to take.
Thats the negatives over with.
Offensively he will be sensational in the National League. He made a superb 80m break late in the 1st half on a last tackle kick return and was a genuine threat most times he had the ball in hand. The kick-chase is nowhere near as effective and this suits Penny down to the ground. He will be lethal.
His enthusiasm suits Widnes perfectly. At Warrington, when he jumped up and down celebrating or tried to gee up the players there was liltle response from his teammates. At Widnes they responded with him all through the match and he genuinely seemed to be enjoying himself.
Oh, and the crowd loved him.
On reflection i dont think that this loan move will improve his tackling but if tonight was anything to go by he will regain any confidence he has been lacking along with some proper match fitness
Will it start to turn him back into a starting SL winger ... Yes, if when back at Warrington they can at least make some improvements on the defensive issues.
Pickersgill on the other hand .... an absolute mare.
Came on after about 15/20 mins. 1st tackle gave away penalty, 2nd tackle - missed , 3rd tackle - missed and try scored.
Made another couple of errors. Taken off after about 15 mins game time and dont think he was put back on.
He looked far from match fit and was struggling to get back the 10.
