Kendal Match Report

Kendal welcomed the Kirkby players and supporters to this second derby match of the season at Mintbridge on a cold blustery January day with snow threatening. Kirkby had a number of players missing due to injuries and extended holidays.

Kendal kicked off but following an infringement gave away a penalty which was overturned and Kendal took a quick tap and kicked downfield, the race for the ball was won by the home side winger who went over for the first try with only 3 minutes on the clock. 5-0. Kendal tails were up and recovered the ball from the restart kicking through but gathered by Kirkby and the ruck saw a penalty given to Kirkby who cleared their lines. A high tackle by Kirkby’s no 4 Pratt, was given a yellow and the quick penalty gave the home side their second try under the posts to move the score to 12-0. A period of open play saw Kirkby giving away penalties and Kendal’s wing scored their third try in the corner after 20 minutes. A kick through by Sam Nicholson for Kirkby saw it roll over the dead ball line giving Kendal a scrum back inside Kirkby’s half. Infringement by the visitors saw another quick penalty taken by Latham led to the bonus try for the home side, unconverted. 22-0. Prior to half time saw chances by both sides but defences held and again the dead ball line came to the rescue for Kendal as Lawson kicked through for a certain try. The half time whistle blew with no further score.

Words from coach Dave Barton seemed to give the Kirkby lads a boost as they started the second half. Defence following a Kendal attack held but the clearance kick was charged down and the home supporters cheered a 5th try to move the score to 29-0.

The next 12 minutes were Kirkby’s as they kept Kendal pinned down in their own half but as has happened so many times this season getting across the line eludes the Kirkby players. As The home team attacked through their heavier pack a penalty was awarded to them and a second yellow was shown to Kirkby. The scrum 5 yards out gave the home forwards the opportunity to rumble over and the scoreboard moved to 36-0 with 7 minutes remaining. A further try gave the final score 41-0.

Another spirited display by the Kirkby side who continue to give their all for the Club but this game had niggles and far too many penalties and mistakes by both sides.

Underley Park host Wirral next week, weather permitting.