U15’s lift the Cumbria Cup

The pinnacle of the U15s season was today’s Cumbria Cup final versus fellow Westmorlanders, Kendal Rugby Club. Played at a neutral ground, Windermere RUFC, the scene was set for these Cumbrian rugby titans. The crowd was in good voice with both clubs bringing lots of supporters to watch these sides noted for their attacking rugby. It was a real showcase of Cumbria rugby talent on display which didn’t let down the crowd. Both teams played with energy, conviction and displayed rugby’s values amazingly.
The game kicked off with Kirkby gathering the ball, and took the fight to Kendal, but after a few phases Kendal won the ball, and started to probe the Kirkby Lonsdale defence. Phase after phase Kendal started to get over the gain line, but the defence held firm with Parry, Woodburn and Turner tackling incredibly well. Kendal applied more pressure and the penalties start to come, but Kirkby held firm, winning back possession and the juggernaut inside centre of Hutchins punched a hole in the Kendal line. Southey and Gore controlled the distribution and set in motion a set of attacking phases that allowed the ball to through several hands and onto the marauding Clayton to score the first try. 5-0.
Kirkby started to get into their attacking stride, straight after the kick-off the multi-phased attack had Kendal scrambling, with the ball moved quickly and a sublime offload by Ogden to Muldowney, who ran an untracked loop to score in the corner. 10-0.
Kirkby were on a roll, several more attacks looking promising, but Kendal fought back, after some great passing and offloads, Kendal’s 10 unlocked Kirkby’s defence with amazing skills, and scored near the Kirkby posts. Try was converted 10-7.
Kirkby Lonsdale reminded themselves of this seasons mantra #stayinthefight. Holdsworth, Ludlam and Black started smashing holes in the defence, the pressure was building, but Kendal defended their line with steadfast resolve, but the determined Kirkby side didn’t stop and Turner scored and converted a try that the whole team had a hand in. 17-7.
Halftime the message was clear - fight until the final whistle and continue to play our game.
From the 2nd half whistle, Kirkby Lonsdale regathered their own kick-off, and after some hard running from Harrison and Stephens, Turner skipped through the Kendal defence to score his signature ‘splash-down’ try under the posts. 24-7.
Kendal didn’t stop fighting, and probed the Kirkby defence, but it held firm. Armer conducted the pace from 9, and Southey, Hill and Jennings ran some brilliant attacking lines. Supported with some great breakdown work from Parry, Muldowney, Woodburn and Barker. Skelton-Montgomery having put in a huge shift around the park, unleashed his pace and took the ball 40 metres up the pitch, a great run from the hooker. Kendal scrambled to shut him out.
Kendal continued to attack, but after a great turnover from Black, Kirkby scored a excellent counter-attacking try, Derbyshire set off a move, this produced an excellent showcase of offloading skills from Hill, Barker, Hope and Armer to get the determine Derbyshire to score a try. 29-7. Kirkby were purring.
Kendal came back again, but ironclad defending by Kirkby kept them out. Barker chopping down Kendal’s runners and Hutchins with a bullet-like cover tackle to take the Kendal player into touch got the crowds applause.
Armer, Gore and Turner combined to set up Hope to run in a try from halfway, the passing and pace splintered the Kendal defence. Turner converted. The referee blew the final whistle. Final score 36-7.
The celebrations could begin! Kirkby Lonsdale U15s Cumbria Cup Champions!!
A massively well deserved Man of the Match too to the excellent Sam Turner. Take a bow youngman!
A special mention to our travelling reserves Willoughby, Wilson and Jackson who supported their team mates superbly, and hope the sick Hopton recovers soon!
Both sides did themselves proud. Kendal never gave up. A positive game that was played in the right spirit, and both sides came together at the end for a joint photograph. A big thank you to Cumbria Rugby Union, Windermere RUFC for hosting excellently and the match officials who allowed the came to be played in the right way.