Big day arrives (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Big day arrives

9:31am Friday 20th April 2007 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

IT'S CUP final day tomorrow (Saturday) as Kendal Rugby Union Club bid to gain some silverware from the season by lifting the Story Cumbria Cup.

After a narrow 18-14 semi-final defeat of North Division One rivals Penrith a fortnight ago, the Mint Bridge side are the slight favourites for the big match this weekend against Carlisle Pirates.

Pirates, from one division below Kendal, are in good form at the moment, however, having crushed Stoke-on-Trent 72-5 in North Division Two (West) last weekend.

Captain Simon Mulholland is expected to lead out substantially the same side as that which won at Birkenhead Park for his last appearance for the club as he is returning to New Zealand after a three-year stint.

Plenty of supporters from both sides can be expected at the neutral ground of Penrith's Winters Park for the 3pm kick-off.

Kendal players' bus departs leaves Kendal CC, Shap Road at 12.45pm followed at 1.15pm by the supporters' coach.

Kendal Director of Rugby Chris Hayton said: "Our league campaign finished strongly with a hard-fought win by the narrowest of margins at Birkenhead.

"In a forward dominated game, the Kendal pack fought for every ball and were the foundation on which the victory was built. It is easy to say what might have been had we played this simpler pattern in our other games away from home.

"Yet we mustn't go back into our shell if we are to progress. We are re-learning what works for us, and areas of strength have to be the building blocks from which we expand.

"This type of game is readily understood by Kendal teams and when cemented into place will form the launchpad for next season's exciting challenge.

"So to the cup final and a great day is in prospect. Carlisle have also finished strongly and have a fast capable set of backs. Once again the clash of styles makes the game planning crucial and should provide an intriguing battle."

KENDAL Colt Phil Whitfield, who goes to Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale, played all three games for the England U16 A team last week and was made captain for the last two.

In the first match Canada were beaten 27-0 and Phil's contribution during that game led to him being named as captain for the next. He did not disappoint and scored two tries in the hard-fought game against Scotland, losing narrowly 17-15. The third match was against the powerful French side and again England lost a close match 15-10.

Kendal's Director of Rugby Chris Hayton said: "Phil has developed quickly over the last couple of seasons and his is a name we are likely to hear again in the rugby future."