WATERLOO’S improving form continues following a 38-27 win at home to Penrith, a result which moves them one place further up the table but of much greater importance 17 points well clear of the relegation zone.

This proved a highly entertaining game with Waterloo having the better of the opening session with two penalties from Liam Reeve, the result of sustained pressure affording a 6-0 lead.

Unfortunately a poor pass and a bad bounce brought a try for the visitors, Ben Littleton showing great pace to scoot in close the posts, the conversion giving the Cumbrians the lead very much against the run of play.

It got worse for the home side. Following an exchange of penalties, Reeve successful for Waterloo, Penrith wheeled a scrum and with number eight Ryan Johnson using the blind side to great effect the number eight put Littleton away for his second.

In the final play of the half Waterloo eventually got the try they deserved, an overhead arching pass by Liam McGovern putting James O’Brien over, Reeve’s conversion restoring the home side’s lead 16-15 at the interval.

In the second period a catch and drive brought a try for Martin Bell with the conversion and a penalty from Reeve putting Waterloo 26-15 ahead.

Penrith hit back with a try from Johnson converted by Neil Warnock but tries from McGovern off a break by Freeman Payne, the outside half off-loading superbly in the tackle and Alex Reed, the replacement forcing his way over from close range, with Reeve slotting one more conversion to seal the win.

In the closing minutes the visitors grabbed a try bonus point with a try from Littleton to bring up his hat-trick.

This Saturday Waterloo are at home to Bradford and Bingley in a re-arranged game postponed from January 26.